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Port Vale are trialling released Peterboro defender Shane Blanchett. The betting charges brought against five players will not be heard until the day before the season starts. They were due to be heard in two weeks, but have now been delayed until August 7th. Bradford are trialling released Swindon midfielder Grant Smith.
Crewe have been beaten by Walsall to the signing of ex-Northampton defender Mark Hughes. Stockport have named Gary Ablett as their new manager. He has spent the past few years as reserve team coach at Liverpool. Rochdale are considering a suggestion from Oldham to develop a new ground jointly. The current grounds of the two sides are just six miles apart, with the new venture proposed to be between the two.
Southampton have exited Administration after Swiss billionaire Markus Liebherr was named as the new owner. The 61 year old has paid an undisclosed fee for the club, believed to be around the £15million asking price. Mansfield are to close parts of their ground to save on stewarding costs next season after Setanta's collapse left them with a shortfall in their budget.
Rushden say their winding up order from the taxman has come about due to the 'massive overheads' at their Nene Park home, and the lack of sponsors due to the credit crunch.
