Cambridge United boss Martin Ling is ready to pounce for Chester defender Kevin Roberts as the crisis club’s woes deepen.
But Ling admitted he hoped the Blue Square Premier’s basement boys are saved as Cambridge United could lose six points if they are thrown out of the league.
The United manager confirmed he would be interested in snapping up the versatile Roberts if he became available.
Having come through the youth team at the Deva Stadium, Roberts, 20, is Chester’s longest-serving player and has so far stayed loyal to the cause, despite being paid one week’s wages in the last three months.
However, that situation is likely to change with Chester failing to fulfil Tuesday’s fixture at Forest Green after players, who had previously threatened strike action, refused to travel.
Ling said: “Kevin Roberts is someone we’re interested in. He can play right-side centre-half, right-back or as a holding midfielder.
“He’s someone that we’ve talked about and Paul (Carden, assistant manager) knows him quite well.
“If the situation comes where he can get out of the club or he doesn’t have a club given Chester’s scenario, then he’s someone we’d take a look at.”
If Chester are thrown out of the league and their results expunged, United would be just two points above the relegation zone having beaten Chester twice this season.
Ling admitted he feared the worst. He said: “We hope they stay in there for obvious reasons, but I’d be gob-smacked if the league doesn’t throw them out.
“They shouldn’t have backed them from the start, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
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