Tribunal to decide fee for youngster
Former AFC Wimbledon scholar Will Mannion, goalkeeper in last season’s historic FA Youth Cup run, signed for Hull City today.
Mannion (pictured) was one of the cornerstones of the Dons youth team which beat two Premier League under 18 sides (memorable away victories at Watford and Newcastle United) before losing to eventual winners Chelsea, a game which he missed.
As a scholar, Mannion was offered a professional contract with the club but chose to turn it down. With Hull City now signing him and the two clubs unable to agree a fee, the matter will be resolved by a tribunal.
Academy Manager Jeremy Sauer said: “We were very disappointed to lose Will in this way, but he has made his decision and we now wish him every success at Hull. Will developed very well during his time with us, particularly under the guidance of Ashley Bayes and Mark Robinson, and was playing at an extremely high level through-out last season. We went to great lengths to persuade him to stay and we fully expect he will go a long way – a view shared by many in the game, which is no doubt why he was called up to train with the England under 18 squad during last season.”