FOOTBALL'S world governing body FIFA last night shattered Adam Proudlock's bid to get his career back on track with Ipswich Town.Proudlock was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday last month and Town boss Joe Royle invited the former Wolves striker for a trial at Portman Road with the view to a contract.

By Derek Davis

FOOTBALL'S world governing body FIFA last night shattered Adam Proudlock's bid to get his career back on track with Ipswich Town.

Proudlock was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday last month and Town boss Joe Royle invited the former Wolves striker for a trial at Portman Road with the view to a contract.

Royle had said on Monday that he hoped to play Proudlock in a reserve game this week if they could get clearance. That never came and FIFA last night rejected a plea from the PFA to allow Proudlock to join another club outside the transfer window.

That means the 24-year-old will not be allowed to join Town, or any other club, until the transfer window reopens in January, although efforts are still being made to resolve the unique situation.

PFA executive Simon Barker last night told the EADT: “We have spoken to FIFA and they have said there is nothing they can do. The rules are in place and Adam has been told he cannot sign for another club.

“It is not a satisfactory situation and we will look at what Adam's options now are.

“Adam is being disadvantaged and we will continue to lobby FIFA to make allowances.”

Proudlock will continue to train with Ipswich next week and Royle is hoping something can be worked out.

He said: “From what we have seen of Adam he has done fine and we will look at him more with the first team next week.

“We are still talking with the PFA and Sheffield Wednesday and I'm hoping we can find a solution.”

The issue has raised concerns during the first season that the Football League has been forced to adopt the transfer window system.

Players who are out of work when the window closes can still join a new club during the closes period but, if a player becomes unemployed, for whatever reason, when the window is closed he may not find employment with a new club until it reopens.

It is a situation that the PFA are looking to rectify, as it goes against the principle of a transfer window that, in part, is meant to stabilise contracts.

Barker said: “It is a major issue and it is affecting quite a few players who fall out of contract when the window is closed. Those on short-term deals are getting caught out and it is an absolute minefield.

“The regulations were put in place to offer stability to contracts but it is working against some of our members and we are working to rectify the situation.”

Meanwhile, Royle has denied that the Blues made a formal approach to sign Alan Mahon on loan from Wigan.

Chief scout Colin Suggett asked his Wigan opposite number about Mahon's situation and it was reported in the national press over the weekend that the Latics were willing to loan him out.

Manager Paul Jewell told the Wigan official website on Tuesday that Town had asked about taking the Irishman but was not prepared to let him leave.