SOUTHAMPTON'S pop sensation Craig David really is an Artful Dodger! (28/11/00)

The football mad superstar, whose latest single "Walking Away" went into the charts at number three on Sunday, is currently under suspension from the Hampshire Football Association because he owes them £18.

The ban means that the chart topper can't take part in any football activities until the debt - just £2 more than the price of one of his tickets for last week's sellout concert at Southampton's Guildhall - is paid.

And that would stop the 20 year old singer from possibly featuring in Saints skipper Jason Dodd's testimonial at The Dell on May 22.

Dodd was hoping to involve David along with pop duo friends Artful Dodger on his special night. The defender said: "It's all very early days yet, but I know Pete Devereux from the Artful Dodger and he is very keen to play.

"He said Craig would like to take part too, although obviously that depends on his availability nearer the time.

"It would be great if he could turn out and if need be I'll pay the £18 myself! After all his last album only sold a million and a half copies so he might be a bit skint!"

A Hampshire FA spokesman confirmed the suspension saying: "Yes it is true that Craig David is under general suspension.

"Like a lot of players, he has probably forgotten all about it but it would be nice if he came into the office to pay the money - within the next Seven Days would seem rather appropriate."

You have to ReRewind the clock back almost three years to January 1998 when the then undiscovered musical talent of David was playing parks football for a team called African & Carribbean in the afternoon section of the City of Southampton Sunday League.

However the club did have more than its fair share of administration problems as City of Southampton Sunday League chairman Roy Dawson recalled.

"Unfortunately the club didn't pay for the council pitches which they hired or any fines that were subsequently levied against them and they ended up going under a general suspension. Maybe he'll pay all the players off - he can probably afford it now!"

Craig David was unavailable to comment yesterday due to rehearsals for last night's gig in Newport, Wales but a press office spokeswoman said: "I'll pass it on to Craig, I'm sure he'll be very amused."