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Crewe say they backed out of a deal to sign former loanee Dennis Lawrence because of his wage demand and will now turn their attention to ex-Northampton defender Mark Hughes, who is currently training with Accrington. Macclesfield have signed Hednesford midfielder Ross Draper on a one year deal for a small fee.
Cheltenham are in talks with veteran striker Barry Hayles after his release from Leicester. Lincoln are trialling striker Paul Connor. The 30 year old was offered a return to Cheltenham earlier in the week after being released on financial grounds. The Imps are said to have withdrawn from the chase for Peterboro striker Rene Howe. Grimsby are trialling Irish striker Andy Smith, who once cost Preston £130,000 but has struggled in various spells in English football.
Ex-Bull Michael Rose has revealed that the late hitch to his deal to join Hartlepool was down to Jim Gannon leaving for Motherwell. Rose says he wouldn't stay with Stockport if Gannon had stayed, the second player in a week to agree to stay with the club citing Gannon's departure as reason enough to stay.
Notts County are trialling ex-Ipswich wonderkid Dean Bowditch. Barnet have 25 trialists at the club this week, with their friendly match at Grays featuring all trialists. Burton have signed Irish u-21 keeper Shane Redmond on six month loan from Nottm Forest. Darlington are reported to be trialling winger Mark Convery, who finished last season at Weymouth.
Wycombe's shareholders have agreed to hand the club over to major creditor Steve Hayes. 99% of shareholders agreed to the move to wipe out the club's debts. Accrington's newly formed supporters fund has made a formal offer to the club for a major stake. Southampton's takeover is on the verge of completion, according to press reports, with a deal expected to be completed tomorrow.
Walsall are down to ten senior pros, and six youngsters, in their squad after Sofienne Zaaboub turned down their contract offer in favour of a trial elsewhere. Stafford have raised the £50,000 required to cover their immediate debt for temporary seating at their ground, but Rushden are the latest to face a winding up order on July 15th with the taxman chasing payment.
Ex-Bull Nicky Nicolau played for Rushden as they beat Rothwell Town 3-1. Strong rumours abound that the Conference have received a serious offer for coverage from Eurosport.
