Experienced EFL midfielder Stephen Dawson joins Radcliffe, causing fans to say ‘what a signing’ when reacting on social media.
The 34-year-old comes in after a recent spell with Hereford, he was also at Bury prior to them, but had no choice to leave after the EFL expelled them last summer.
✍? | We are also delighted to announce the signing of former Bury man Stephen Dawson.
The first signing of the Lee Fowler era!
#WelcomeStephen #WeAreRadcliffe #UTB pic.twitter.com/biFaGqKW5d
— Radcliffe FC (@radcliffeboro) February 16, 2020
He’s also featured for the likes of Mansfield Town, Leyton Orient, Barnsley and Scunthorpe United during his career between 2005 and 2019.
The former Republic of Ireland under 21 international is expected to make his first start for the Boro away at Scarborough Athletic on Saturday.
He was due to be playing against Grantham Town last weekend, however the game was called off due to the recent stormy weather.
Whilst also being known for his football, he was also in the spotlight after coming to blows with controversial Bury owner Steve Dale in a furious bust-up LIVE ON AIR over unpaid wages.
The midfielder opened up on the at the time-League One club’s financial crisis and said players had been put through ‘six months of torture’.
He and his team-mates had not been paid for almost five months, and he revealed he faced losing his family home if the club are kicked out of the EFL.
But Shakers chairman Dale then had something to say, before then furiously denying those claims in an outburst that surely burned any remaining bridges he had at the club.
Host Jim White and co-hosts Martin Keown and Bob Mills were left stunned in the talkSPORT studio as the pair ranted live on air.
Here is what was said…
Dawson: “Listen chairman, let’s cut to the chase – you haven’t bothered paying us in months.
“I’m on the verge of losing everything. I’ve had to listen to what you’ve had to say for months, you can say you’ve tried to save the club but, at the end of it all, get your money and leave the club otherwise this club is no more.”
Dale: “Ask Mr Dawson, did he receive from the beginning of the CVA 50 per cent of his wages?”
Dawson: “Excuse me, 50 per cent from who? The PFA have paid us two months wages.”
Dale: “No, they paid you four months. Four 50 per cents.”
Dawson: “Steve, I’m not going to row. I don’t lie. I have been paid two months from the PFA which is a loan. You have paid me once in six months. I do not lie.
Dale: “The PFA paid, upon my request, 50 per cent of your wages every month since Stewart Day’s catastrophe started. Is that right or is that wrong?”
Dawson: “Lies.”
Dale: “…Sorry?”
Dawson: “Lies. You’re telling lies, and I can prove it.”
talkSPORT’s Jim White: “Give the players and the fans some hope here. Tell us now, Dawson is a desperate man, he can’t pay his bills and he can’t feed his family…”
Dale: “Do you truly believe that remark? That Mr Dawson cannot feed his family and is getting thrown out of his house? Do you truly believe that?
“Everything with you guys Is blow it to the maximum. Mr Dawson’s not going to get thrown out of his house and he can feed his family!”
Dawson: “There you go, there you go. That sums up everything I need to say here, Jim. What he’s just said there has summed up what a man and human being he is. How does he know I’m not going kicked out of my house?”
Dale: “As you keep saying to me, prove it, Mr Dawson.
Dawson: “Prove it? You don’t prove anything! You haven’t proven for six months that you have any money, you’ve no money! Sell the club!
“If I lose my job next week, my house is gone simple as that and I’ll tell you that man to man now.
“He’s just told lies for six months, he doesn’t pay anyone and if he has the chance to sell the club I’m begging him to sell it.”
MUST LISTEN! ?
Bury midfielder Stephen Dawson says he’ll lose everything due to unpaid wages.#BuryFC owner Steve Dale claims Dawson has been paid.
We put Dale and Dawson on-air together to clear things up.
You have to take 10 minutes to hear this incredible clash… pic.twitter.com/Mt0y6eA6PV
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 16, 2019
Quite the interview isn’t it? Dale continued to say everything could be fine, however as we all know, it’s just go downhill since then.
Maybe one day Dawson will might play for the new Bury phoenix club ‘Bury AFC‘ ?
As mentioned, fans and players took to Twitter to react as the experienced EFL midfielder joins Radcliffe…
Aww brilliant x
— Donna Nuttall (@DonnaHaslam1) February 16, 2020
What a signing!! All the best @fatmanfowls
— Chris Stokes (@chrisstokes91) February 16, 2020
After the way Dale treated him and how he confronted the tw@t on @JimWhite show good luck to the lad. Hope he settles in straight from the off
— Bradley1 (@Radcliffeshaker) February 16, 2020
@BEEJJJY haha wtf
— matty (@mattyb16_BFC) February 16, 2020
That's hell of a signing
— Jordan (@Gordie_Young) February 16, 2020
Bloody hell, a week's a long time at Radcliffe FC ? pic.twitter.com/LETj5N5s6Z
— Phil Theecow ? (@ChadSpeedfight2) February 16, 2020
At least he'll get paid at Radcliffe.?
— Scott Paynter (@PaynterScott) February 16, 2020
Unbelievable signing! I'll be visiting Stainton Park to watch him.
— Rick Lally (@RickLally) February 16, 2020
What a great signing
— Mark Robotham (@markro9) February 16, 2020
Blimey! Impressive ?
— Flat Caps 'n' Bovril (@capsnbovril) February 16, 2020
Incredible signing for your level. Best of luck Daws
— JP (@jamesplumridge_) February 16, 2020
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