Ellis delighted as Eccleshill United's university players are finally given FA clearance (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Ellis delighted as Eccleshill United's university players are finally given FA clearance

2:40pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Eccleshill By Bill Marshall

Eccleshill United director of football Mark Ellis received the news he had been waiting more than a year for this week.

The overseas college boys that were stopped from playing non-league football for Eccleshill United by the FA last season will now be available.

It was just what the former Bradford City winger wanted to hear as he is in charge of the football development of the players who are studying at Richmond University.

Ellis said: “I’m delighted that the boys are now clear to play - not only for Eccleshill but for any club - so it really is a huge boost to the whole RIASA programme.

"We have waited almost 18 months for this to be sorted and we have had to go to Wembley twice for meetings.

“The last visit was recently and it was very productive and ended with high hopes but even so I’m surprised that things have moved on so quickly since then. The earliest I expected the news was April, to be honest.”

Ellis says the decision has come too late for some of his students as their courses are complete now but he hopes it will encourage the current influx of players.

The two players who have progressed into the full- time game had to jump through hoops to get work visas in order to sign for their clubs.

Ellis added: “Nahki Wells has been the big success story so far but the big Bermudan keeper Thaj Bell, who has been solid for Eccy, is still being looked at by City.

"He has been for trials and will be training with them full time until the end of the season.

“I felt sorry for Joey Spivak last season because Bradford City liked him as well but there was a visa issue so he couldn’t sign.

"He had a spell with Guiseley and we are looking to get him a club in Scandinavia at the moment.

"Some of these lads are very talented and deserve to be playing higher up but at least they can start out properly now because the FA have reached the right decision.”