CHESHAM United have pulled the plug on what would have been their record transfer deal after discovering that their target has a dodgy ankle.

The £15,000 deal to bring England non-league midfielder Dave Clark to The Meadow would have shattered the club's previous record fee of £5,000. But Chesham pulled out after watching the 26-year-old train and discovering he has a weak ankle.

The injury is so serious that the Dover Athletic player is now having to retire from the game.

Last Saturday United notched their third straight win with a 4-1 victory over Hendon. Goals from Dudley Campbell and Mark Watson allied to a brace of own goals from Towler earned the points and put Chesham in good heart for tomorrow's clash at Gravesend and the Boxing Day big one at home to St Albans.

The Saints are managed by former boss John Kendall who walked out on Chesham to take the job. The Generals are trying to get compensation for that move.