CARL MAGNAY, the Hartlepool United midfielder, has defended his position after being found guilty of spitting at a Wycombe supporter.

After being sent-off in the closing minutes of the defeat at Adams Park on September, both player and club were surprised when Magnay was charged by the Football Association.

He denied the accusation, levied by a single Chairboys’ supporter days after the game, but was found guilty at an FA hearing.

He is currently one game into a six-match ban.

And the 26-year-old yesterday issued a statement in which he denied the charge.

“I categorically deny spitting on anyone and find the allegation made against me inaccurate. This is something I find abhorrent and simply would not do,’’ he said.

“There is no reaction by those in the vicinity where I spit, something which is supported by the video evidence.

“I would like to thank everyone connected with Hartlepool United for their support and I look forward to representing the club again once my ban is complete.”

Magnay has been supported by the club throughout the saga, while both player and club feel they were unable to appeal the verdict once written confirmation arrived from the FA.

The club’s chief executive Russ Green added: “I am still astounded by the charge and the club’s support remains fully with Carl.

“I know that doing something like that is not in Carl’s nature and it’s disappointing for him and for the club that we will be without him for a period of time.

“He’s a committed professional though and there is no doubt that he will work hard in the coming weeks to ensure he remains in peak condition for when he is able to return.”

While boss Ronnie Moore must plan without Magnay until the game with Leyton Orient on Sunday, November 15, he is actively seeking new signings.

His priority is an experienced centre-half to play alongside Scott Harrison in the back four. He was close to making a signing last week only for the deal to be pulled by the players’ parent club on Thursday morning and is hopeful of a breakthrough this week.

"It's been a couple of hard weeks on that front,’’ he admitted.

"There's no point bringing in a young kid and putting him in there, it's not going to make us any better.

"We need a David Mirfin type, someone who is going to guide us. We were so close on Thursday but we have to keep knocking on doors and hope someone does us a real favour

"We can't go on defending like we were in the first 20 minutes and hope to get away with it.’’

Harrison was Pools’ best player in defeat at Northampton at the weekend and Moore said: "Scotty was more like Scotty, he was solid and strong.

"He didn't get bullied whereas one or two did get bullied, that was disappointing to me.

"But we know where we are weak, it's just a matter of trying to get someone in as quick as possible.’’

Right-back Brad Halliday has returned to Middlesbrough after a month on loan at Pools. He played five games, and Michael Duckworth is expected to return to the side this weekend at Dagenham after recovering from a hamstring injury.