On the Guardian website today....

[Roebuck]

The legal advice will almost certainly be to NOT make a statement until all the facts have been investigated.

I am sure consideration will be given to the following;

http://corrupt-police.co.uk/lancashi...ard-dismissed/

and perhaps to;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...defendant.html

None of the above should detract from the fact that Barry Bennell was the absolute pits and deserved everything he got, but perhaps goes someway to explaining why the club are not being over hasty in issuing a statement. The timing of Andy Woodwards statements need consideration also.

Interesting that neither the Guardian or Observer refer to the above in their various articles. Selective journalism? Don't tell me that they are unaware.

Regardless of the timing reasons as mentioned above the Club surely HAVE to say something. At least draw attention to the safeguards that are in place now to stop such unthinkable crimes from reoccurring. Sticking their heads in the sand for much longer is unforgiveable.

A couple of points:

- I'm not sure I understand why people say this was swept under the carpet. Maybe it's because we were close to it that we were aware of the prosecution when it happened, but I have to admit I am surprised that the likes of Oliver Holt say they were completely unaware of this and that it was swept under the carpet. The Channel 4 programme in the late 90's was extremely high profile and didn't hold back on the description of the crimes, with an in depth interview of one of the evil *******'s victims. I remember being shell-shocked by the severity of it. Bennell has been in prison on and off since then (extremely lenient sentences if you ask me). I am sure his case had an impact on setting Child Welfare safeguards. One of the key modules of the basic FA training course is "Safeguarding Children". Nothing like this was in place in the pre-Academy 80's.

- It will be interesting to see how Man City deal with it compared to the Alex when the following is released:

http://www.brownsbfs.co.uk/Product/W.../9781782437703

[MikeSB]

All they need to do at this time is to recognise the latest publicity but will comment later when more information is availabe but also as someone has pointed out already for them to add that child protection is the top of their priorities and to their knowledge no child is at risk. The fact they are as usual saying NOTHING is pretty disgusting but then we know the Board is less than useless where communication is concerned and I very much doubt if they would tell anyone anything. What will the parents think who currently have their kids at the academy if the Board stays silent on this most pressing issue of our times it seems.

[bigroof]

Well they've made a statement now....

https://www.theguardian.com/football...andy-woodward?

[thnhouse]

Well they've made a statement now....

https://www.theguardian.com/football...andy-woodward?

At least it is a statement highlighting that the club do take it seriously, even if Darios comments are a little ill advised.

Six people coming forward with allegations is interesting though, especially been as no one else is being investigated.

[ruocul]

My sympathies go directly to the innocent people who have been abused. I am certain that every single Alex supporter will share my feelings.

[deeepeee]

I feel sorry for what he went through when he was younger but he is accused of the same thing and was sacked for it!

He may even have other victims out there, something very fishy about his timing to go to the press....

http://corrupt-police.co.uk/andy-woo...victim-speaks/