BACUP Borough are ready to terminate the contract of Damian Moran.

The 26-year-old defender was suspended at the beginning of last week for 'persistent misconduct' and was told his contract would be terminated after 14 days.

But manager Brent Peters had a change of heart and was ready to reduce the player's suspension to seven days and to welcome the player back in time for Saturday's game at home to Nantwich Town.

But in another twist to the saga, Peters has now decided to give the player another 14 days' notice of the club's intention to terminate the player's contract.

"He will be receiving a letter to say we will be terminating his contract," said Peters.

Moran was suspended under clause 16 of his contract after four instances of what the club say amounted to misconduct. He was told that, after 14 days, his contract would be terminated.

However, the FA have told the club that they are not within their rights to suspend the player and terminate his contract. They must do either one or the other. If he is suspended and allowed back to the club, he is fined his wages for the duration of the suspension.

But if his contract is terminated, he must be paid his wages for the 14 days notice period and for the duration of any appeal.

Peters said he received a letter from Moran's solicitor this week requesting that the contract be terminated by mutual consent under clause 21.

However, Peters wants to invoke clause 16, which cites persistent misconduct, which would leave Bacup free to demand a fee for the player if he was to move elsewhere.

But Peters said that was not the motive for his decision. He said: "I have never said that I wanted a fee for Damian Moran."

Moran confirmed that a solicitor's letter had been sent to the club asking to invoke clause 21, which would terminate the contract by mutual consent.

He said: "I just want to be free to play football."