DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE finally settled their compensation claim with Colchester United for defender Magnus Okuonghae on Monday. Okuonghae, 23, had moved to the U s on June 30, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a valuation so, as the former Crawley c

by MIKE SIMMONDS

DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE finally settled their compensation claim with Colchester United for defender Magnus Okuonghae on Monday.

Okuonghae, 23, had moved to the U's on June 30, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a valuation so, as the former Crawley centre half was under 24, the Football League had to step in.

At a tribunal in London on Monday, the Professional Football Compensation Committee decided that Daggers were to receive �45,000 as an initial fee, with a further �5,000 to be paid when the player has made 15, 30, 45 and 60 appearances, according to the Football League website.

Sell on

There is also a 20 per cent sell-on clause for Okuonghae, who made his debut in his new side's 7-1 demolition of Norwich City at the weekend, along with a �15,000 payment if Colchester are promoted to the Championship in the next two seasons.

Daggers chief executive, Steve Thompson, was satisfied an outcome had finally been reached.

"We're reasonably pleased with the result of the tribunal and whilst we factored in a certain amount, it's a little bit more than that," he told the Post.

"Although there aren't any plans to put it towards improving the team, it will help the overall running of the club and the extra expenses we have this year.

"We weren't a million miles away from what Colchester offered, and the tribunal has really come down in our favour.

"We were realistic because it's not a transfer, it's to compensate us for his development, so the figures aren't huge.

"We're delighted it's over and done with now, so we can sit down and work out where we are from here."

Echoed

Thompson's view was also echoed by his opposite number at Colchester, Steve Bradshaw, as he was also happy with the tribunal's ruling.

"The process was productive and the whole procedure was run very professionally," he told the Colchester official website.

"Colchester United would like to thank the Football League and Dagenham & Redbridge for their open and honest approach during the whole process.

"It feels like a fair reflection of his value given the fact that whilst having been very impressive last season, it was his first full league campaign from start to finish."

Some of the extra expense that Daggers will have to find this year, is for the new Pondfield Stand, that will house the away supporters at Victoria Road.

Taking shape

Building work is still ongoing, but the stand is rapidly taking shape and Thompson didn't rule out arranging a special match for an official opening, once everything is completed.

"The stand is coming along, and it should be ready towards the end of October," he said.

"We're looking at the possibility of having a game to mark the opening, but we need to get a firmer date and then we'll look at that."

Are you happy with the deal for Magnus? Email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

The Post is now on Twitter, so if you follow twitter.com/Post_DagRed then you will get up to the minute updates on goings on at Victoria Road.