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Cheltenham have signed Burton midfielder Russ Penn and are chasing Newport defender Lee Baker, both former Mark Yates charges at Kidderminster. Out of contract Penn cost Burton a record fee when he signed for them two years ago but has turned down a new deal at the Pirelli, while Baker is expected to command a fee. Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has admitted making a move for new Oxford signing Jon-Paul Pittman, but the player opted for the U's as he lived 15 minutes from the ground.
Stockport have named board member Ken Graham as their new chairman. In a club statement they say the interview process to appoint a new manager is ongoing, while there are 'serious and meaningful' discussions over a possible takeover with more than one party. Bristol Rovers could be hosting Champions League football after Bristol Academy women's side reached their FA Cup final to qualify. The side's own ground is not up to standard to host the games and they will seek help from both Rovers and Bristol City to stage games.
Port Vale have announced a ten year sponsorship deal with an American sports company. The company would provide £500,000 in investment to the club, a £600,000 training facility, and sponsor ten years of pre-season tours to the US worth £500,000. In exchange they would become 24.9% shareholders in the Valiants. The deal will be voted on at the club's forthcoming EGM. Barnet are to sign Oxford youngster Sam Deering on a free transfer. The deal will include a sell-on clause for the 20 year old who spent part of last season on loan at Underhill.
Shrewsbury winger Jon Taylor is claimed to be on the verge of quitting the club and moving to the SPL. Sky Sports claim the 18 year old, who is out of contract in the summer, is set to leave the Greenhous Meadow in a similar fashion to former Shrew Chris Humphreys. He used a loophole to move across the border on a free transfer. Cheltenham have agreed a two year deal with winger Marlon Pack. The youngster has been released by Portsmouth after spending time on loan at Whaddon Road.
Accrington have released seven players following their play-off defeat. Among the seven are veteran Andy Parkinson and young striker Rory Boulding. Lincoln boss Steve Tilson has confirmed that coach Scott Lindsey left the club due to budget cuts at Sincil Bank. Aldershot have lost the services of midfielder Ben Harding after he opted to join Wycombe on a two year deal instead.
