That was the weekend that was: Raging McSporran a goner for the Gunners

WITH A name like Jermaine McSporran, the young forward Wycombe Wanderers recently acquired from the Ryman League's Oxford City should never have a problem getting noticed. Yet the 21-year-old, who made his fourth appearance for Wycombe in Saturday's draw at Wigan, seems intent on leaving an indelible and controversial impression.

Touted as a possible target for Arsenal, McSporran had a week's trial at Highbury, scoring for the Gunners reserves, but when the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, decided not to pursue his interest, McSporran's lashed out - at Oxford chairman Mike Woodley.

Through the columns of the Oxford Mail, McSporran accused Woodley of scuppering his chances with Arsenal, with whom no fee had been discussed, when Wycombe came in with a firm offer to buy.

"He tried to make as much money as he could without considering what would happen to me," McSporran said. But Woodley hit back, insisting that it was Wenger's decision not to take McSporran on. The club had a letter from Wenger, the statement said, explaining that he "did not want to harm his future by not having the chance to play in the first team at Arsenal."

Oxford claimed also to have accepted a reduced fee from Wycombe so that McSporran's personal terms could be met.

When asked to comment, Woodley made his feelings about McSporran clear: "I have no intention of wasting more time in feeding this young man's ego," he said.