[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by Oldgobbin

Thanks Dave, but here is an extract from the Bosman ruling:
In line with the system that exists in the FA Premier League and the Nationwide League, players under 23 can move if a compensation fee is agreed between the two clubs. There is now a formulae for calculating this fee. The fee is dependent on his professional development and is seen as compensation for training. FIFA will agree a ceiling for this new 'training' fee, and this will apply to all countries in the EU and EEA. It is hoped that this will reduce the size of transfer fees; those players who are popular will still be able to negotiate their own personal terms and conditions. After the 23rd birthday, a player acquires some freedom to move to another club within the scope of his contract, which cannot be for more than 5 years. A player under 28 must not break his contract, however, without paying compensation to his current club, or having compensation paid by the new club. What is important is that these new rules make explicit reference to the requirements of national law, which prevents litigation, by calculating damages based on the fact that the contract had been completed.

If this is the case, as Mark's birthday is 16/10/83, then it looks as if the only way a fee could be payable is if he has actually re-signed and broken his contract. What do you think?

All seems a bit odd reading through that text. Looks like there is something about his contract that isn't straight forward.