Groclin lose Niedzielan to NEC

Two and a half years
The news of the transfer broke on Christmas Eve, bringing confirmation that Niedzielan had signed a two-and-a-half year deal with NEC. The 24-year-old had looked set to reject NEC's overtures and remain with Groclin, who last month beat Manchester City FC to set up a UEFA Cup third-round tie against FC Girondins de Bordeaux. "I'm staying in Grodzisk to play in the UEFA Cup against Bordeaux," he said.

Special clause
Niedzielan, who has scored four goals in four games for Poland, is expected to earn around €700,000 a year in Nijmegen. Groclin spokesman Jerzy Pieta explained: "A special clause in Andrzej Niedzielan's contract allowed him to go. We were ready for this, but we hoped he would go to a better club."

UEFA Cup dates
Pieta added: "We intend to do everything possible to stay at the same level and not be affected for the tie with Bordeaux." Groclin face the French side on 26 February and 3 March, with the first leg in Poland.