Forward Mick Ramsden has been cleared to resume his York Rugby League Club career after talks between the Wasps and the Rugby Football League.

The 26-year-old, re-signed in the close season, was left in limbo by a transfer embargo after the Wasps failed to pay the full fee for his move from Wakefield Trinity.

Ramsden was forced to sit out last weekend's 21-20 victory against Bramley at Headingley and feared his homecoming season would be wrecked by the transfer wrangle.

But, while the embargo remains in place, the forward was given permission to return to the Wasps squad ahead of Sunday's game with Batley Bulldogs at Huntington Stadium.

Coach Dean Robinson declared the ban on Ramsden amounted to a "constraint of trade", adding that the club's cash shortage was a separate issue.

Ramsden, meanwhile, was today relishing the opportunity to transform an injury-hit, ban blighted season.

The loose forward started the first three games of the season but a back injury kept him out for almost two months.

He returned to the side for four games - three as a substitute - and was then sidelined again by the ban.

"I am running out of time to rescue part of my season. It has been a bad season," he said.

"It is hard to take when you are not part of the performance on the pitch. Time is running out, it is only six games. I don't feel I have played anything like I can do.

"I am not sure of getting a game this week. I would be quite happy with a subs spot. I would just like to be involved. Dean said he wanted me involved because there are bound to be injuries and he needs a full squad of fit players."

Ramsden admitted he was feeling "down" about the embargo but a call to Wakefield council representative Stuart Farrar was the first step towards a comeback.

"I thought Wakefield were stopping me playing but it was part of the RFL embargo. Farrar said he would not stand in my way and they managed to come to some agreement," he said.

"I did feel pretty down about it. I know there was a swap deal offered to Wakefield and turned down. I thought that would be my last hope because I could not see how York were going to come up with the money.

"I feel it is one of the poorest seasons I have had since starting professional. I don't feel I have justified myself and shown what I can do."

Wakefield Trinity are believed to have agreed to the move but chief executive Steve Ferres was today unavailable to comment.

RFL spokesman Peter Rowe said: "The embargo is still in place but his transfer was accepted before the embargo was put in place, so he is eligible to play."

However, Rowe could not confirm whether Ramsden was eligible to play in last week's Second Division fixture against Bramley.

Said Robinson: "I have secured Mick Ramsden's services. I have spoken to the RFL at length and Wakefield have no real problem.

"We have said it is a constraint of trade on Mick and we will pay the money at some stage. He should be allowed to play because it is through no fault of the lad himself.

"We can add him to the squad this week, which gives me 21 players. The transfer embargo remains but Mick's situation has been lifted."

Ramsden's availability appears to solve Robinson's problems at loose forward, a berth filled by regular hooker Gareth Dobson against Bramley.

Paul Darley, who has worn the number 13 shirt on 11 occasions this season, will be out for at least two weeks following an operation to remove debris from his troublesome elbow.

Deakin returns to the fold

Leading scorer Leigh Deakin was today back aboard York Rugby League Club's promotion bandwagon.

The 12-try winger told the Evening Press he was "heart-broken" at missing the crucial Bramley victory and opted to return after a week of soul-searching.

Deakin's decision leaves former captain Stuart Flowers as the only player refusing to complete the season, with the remaining squad members all signing an agreement to receive wages at the end of September.

Said Deakin: "I am back. I have come back because I didn't want to miss out on promotion and didn't want to let the lads or the fans down.

"I missed out on promotion with Hull last year and don't want to miss out again this year. I was interesting a couple of First Division clubs. It has been a week of soul-searching.

"Now I can get my season back on track and push York to promotion and the championship. It is well within our reach."

Deakin claimed the last week, particularly the negotiations over players' pay, was one of the "hardest of my life".

"It affected me more than most and I just think too much of the club to stay away. The fans have been great this season," he said.

"My heart is at York and I want to finish off what I started this season. Another eight tries would be nice, to get to 20, but this week made me realise that individual goals don't count, it is about promotion for the club.

"It was heart-breaking to miss last week's game but it was my decision and I am going to swallow some pride."

He added that chairman Trevor Cox had saved the club and he was happy to join the other players in signing his pay agreement.

With Chris Hopcutt struggling with a hamstring injury, Deakin's return may come against Batley on Sunday.

Said the winger: "I am available for selection and champing at the bit to have another go at Batley. Chris (Hopcutt) has pulled his hamstring but he deserves to be in after last week.

"If I have to sit on the sidelines and cheer the boys on, so be it."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.