from the official site:
CLEE DEAL FALLS THROUGH
John Edwards, joint Press & Media Officer at Altrincham FC, writes...
"Altrincham have done their utmost to bring Nicky Clee back to The J.Davidson Stadium but been forced to concede defeat after Harrogate Town moved in with a counter-offer far beyond the Robins' financial means.
Desperate for proven reinforcements to lift the team out of the Vanarama National League North relegation zone, Alty sprang into action the moment Clee's Guiseley contract ended and drew up a package aimed at luring him back across the Pennines.
Club bosses held talks with him and thought they were on the verge of a significant breakthrough after the talented winger indicated the substantial terms placed before him more than matched his aspirations.
But, just as it seemed his wing wizardry was Alty-bound, wealthy Harrogate flexed their financial muscle with an offer way in excess of the one already on the table to effectively finish the battle for his services.
The fact that Alty's bid was accepted in principle, prior to Harrogate's intervention, underlined it was no token gesture, as the club strives to recruit the signings needed for a push towards safety in the table. With an FA Cup First Round tie at Lincoln looming this Saturday, Alty will redouble their efforts to identify and land the players manager Jim Harvey feels he needs for Vanarama North status to be safeguarded" ENDS
"Far beyond our financial means" is a serious statement when you are 7 points adrift at the bottom of the Conference North, have a competitive budget, are a solvent entity, have c £40 to £50k additional funds and currently average 1,200 at home. We need to get moving and quick!