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| Thursday 31st July 1997 : Buy-out chances recede ... but the club is secure for the moment |
The recent sales of players have secured the future of Cambridge United for the forthcoming season, despite the break-down of talks between the club and a West Indies based consortium. United are set to receive £830,000 from the sales of Danny Granville, Tony Richards, Paul Raynor, Micah Hyde and Jody Craddock since March, and a further £505,000 could be generated by appearance and other bonuses.
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| Steve Greenall |
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A statement was issued by the United board regarding the talks with the Bermuda-based consortium, revealing that "negotiations with interested parties have failed to reach any satisfactory conclusions." United director Gary Harwood added: "The recent sales of Micah Hyde and Jody Craddock have secured survival, at least until April next year, when it is hoped that negotiations with the Bermudan consortium can be re-opened. This effectively leaves United with no potential buyer, at least in the short term."
The group of businessmen with Bermudan links withdrew from negotiations stating: "United is the type of club we wish to be involved with, but we cannot take our interest further at this present moment." This may be for tax reasons, with a new tax year starting in April.
Manager Roy McFarland is keen to sign at least three of the players currently on trial at the Abbey, but the board have made it clear that with the current financial situation there is unlikely to be any money to spend on new players. That decision appears to be as much up to the bank as the board.
Steve Greenall commented,"We will be meeting with our bankers to discuss the strategy for the coming season and we will be doing everything we can to support the manager, but there is not going to be a lot available. The good news is that at least now we are not in a position where we have to sell any more players."
Paul Wilson is due to officially sign a one year deal tomorrow, after a successful loan period at the end of last season. The left-back, who will be 29 on Saturday, arrives on a free transfer from Scunthorpe.
| Wednesday 30th July 1997 : Jody completes move to Sunderland |
Defender Jody Craddock has completed his move to first division Sunderland. The initial fee is £350,000, but it could eventually net United as much as £550,000. Sunderland also announced the name of their brand new stadium at midnight: the Sunderland Stadium of Light, and if safety work can be completed in time the North-East giants will entertain Ajax tonight.
Jody watched United's 1-1 draw with Norwich at the Abbey last night, and admitted he would be sad to leave after four years: "I have had a great time here and loved every minute of it," he told the C.E.N.. "It is a big opportunity for me and I am sure everyone will understand that I had to move on for the sake of my career. But one day I would love to come back and play here again."
The transfer fee for Craddock will be the second largest in United's history, after Dion Dublin's £1 million transfer to Manchester United in 1992. The clubs have agreed on £350,000 up front, two installments of £75,000 based on first team appearances and another £50,000 if Sunderland are promoted and Jody wins an England cap. As usual, United have also negotiated a share of any sell-on fee.
Roy McFarland commented, "I think it is a good deal for the club, and sadly, it is right for the club. Of course we don't want to sell quality players, but we have to do the best we can in the circumstances."
McFarland believes that Craddock could well represent England and generate that extra £50,000 for United. The United manager is widely regarded as one of England's best-ever defenders and in his opinion "the lad has the right attitude". He adds, "He has lots of ability and pace. He can head the ball and his passing is improving all the time. I sincerely hope he plays for England."
Sunderland manager Peter Reid spoke about Jody to Sunderland TEAMtalk: "He did very well when he was up here and he's impressed in a couple of Cambridge's pre-season games."
The 22-year-old joined United from non-league Christchurch in the close-season of 1993 and shortly afterwards spent two months on loan with Conference side Woking. While there he not only gained valuable experience but made a good impression, and after being recalled in December 1993 he made his league debut against Stockport County. A quick and very competitive central defender who is dangerous at set-pieces, Jody started to attract interest from larger clubs. After beginning the 1995-96 season on the bench he soon became a regular in the starting line-up and went on to have an excellent season in which he made a clean sweep of all the Player of the Year awards. He has over 150 league games under his belt, and he was one of the longest serving players at the club. A £400,000 move to Oxford broke down over terms last season and Jody rejected a move to Preston North End after that, but his patience has been rewarded after a successful trial period at Sunderland.
United fans will wish him well and look out for his future progress, but it is not yet known if Roy McFarland will receive any of this summer's transfer fees for team strengthening. Spending on new players has been non-existent for the past two seasons.
Looking back to yesterday's draw with first division Norwich City, the manager commented, "It is another good result, but the result is not that important. It was a very good workout for us -- even better than the Luton game. The difference this time was that we sprung the trap, our crosses were better and we looked dangerous. We did miss a lot of opportunities in front of goal and had to get one from a penalty in the end, but that is nothing to worry about at the moment. Overall it was a very good performance."
United have arranged an additional pre-season friendly at Cambridge City next Tuesday, kick-off 7:30pm with admission at £3.
| Tuesday 29th July 1997 : Another promising display ... Jody move near completion? |
| Cambridge United | 1-1 | Norwich City |
| Taylor 88' (pen) | O'Neill 26' | |
| Att: 2,641 |
Norwich brought a full-strength team to the Abbey, including Newcastle target Keith O'Neill and England starlet Darren Eadie, but it was our team who looked like the First Division side for much of the game. United lined up without Jody Craddock who watched from the stands, fuelling speculation that the 22-year-old defender is poised to complete his transfer to Sunderland. Marc Joseph was partnered by trialists Jamie Campbell and Jamie Murphy in the heart of the defence - both playing for a contract with United - and they seemed to gel immediately. Walsall's Chris Marsh missed out again with a groin strain.
United enjoyed most of the possession and chances, with Michael Kyd looking particularly lively. The 20-year-old carved out three clear chances only to fire high or wide, but he also forced a save from the highly-rated Andy Marshall. Left-back Paul Wilson - due to complete his transfer to United on Thursday - managed to fire over from two yards out! However, as with Luton on Friday, United fell behind to a sucker punch when Keith O'Neill scored with a header from the edge of the box after 26 minutes. If he does make the step up to the Premiership he can expect closer marking than he received for that chance.
Roy McFarland used the second half to make several substitutions and United's flow was disrupted until the hard-working Trevor Benjamin started to create new problems for the Norwich defence. A different proposition than the nippy Kyd, his willing runs and aerial strength kept the first division defenders on their toes and it was not until fifteen minutes from the end that Norwich carved out a couple of opportunities. However, two minutes from time United earned the chance to equalise when Adam Wilde's shot hit Kevin Scott's hand. The referee adjudged it handball and John Taylor stepped up to score with an excellent penalty kick.
Cambridge Utd: Barrett (Gayle 66), Chenery, Wilson, Marc Joseph, Murphy, Campbell, Williamson (Wilde 82), Rees (Beall 82), Kyd (Taylor 64), Butler (Hayes 64), Preece (Benjamin 64).
United have received complaints about the prices for the two home friendlies, charging £8 admission for adults and £1 for children, and some fans claim the high prices have deterred people from attending the matches.
However the C.E.N. quote United's financial controller Steve Greenall saying, "Would we have had more people through the turnstiles if we had charged less? There are considerable costs in putting these games on. We have had one letter about it so far, so it is impossible to say if a lot of people were put off by the prices."
| Monday 28th July 1997 : Craddock's anxious wait |
While defender Jody Craddock is waiting anxiously to hear if his display against Luton on Friday earned him a transfer to North-East giants Sunderland, current manager Roy McFarland has praised the 22-year-old.
"I can't speak highly enough of the boy," he told the C.E.N. before the match against the Hatters. "The way he has handled himself is a credit to himself and the football club."
Jody claims that he never felt any pressure, despite the fact that Sunderland scouts were observing his every move: "I wasn't nervous, because you have to think there are people watching you all the time, in every game. So you can't worry about it. I was pleased with the way it went. We were very steady at the back and didn't give much away."
Jody, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, added, "I haven't heard anything, and I really don't know what is going to happen now. I will just have to wait and see."
The 1-1 draw against Luton, who lost in last season's play-offs to eventual winners Crewe, was a very creditable result and was earned with a number of youngsters and trialists on the pitch at various stages of the match. But Roy McFarland says he was more interested in the performance than the result. "The late goal was nice to get, but the result is not important," he said. "I was very pleased at the way we handled the game. We had to defend for long periods, but we looked very solid at the back, which we were missing at times last season. The fitness looks good, which we have been working on in training. The only disappointing aspect was our crossing. It was too hurried and didn't really threaten, but we can work on that."
McFarland will get a further indication of his side's development against a full-strength Norwich City tomorrow night.
| Friday 25th July 1997 : Promising display at home |
| Cambridge United | 1-1 | Luton Town |
| Benjamin 92 | McLaren 91 | |
| Att: 1,431 |
United played their first home game of the new season against second division opposition and finished with a creditable draw. There was an unfamiliar look to the United line-up with several players making their home debuts: on-loan goalkeeper Mark Gayle, trialists Jamie Campbell, Jason Rees and Martin Butler together with new signing Ben Chenery, who joined this summer - ironically from Luton Town.
The first half was a sunshine stroll that barely flickered into life but a half-time double substitution caused problems to Luton Town. Young strikers Michael Kyd and Trevor Benjamin replaced John Taylor and trialist Martin Butler, and within a minute Kyd forced a save from the Luton 'keeper to announce his arrival. He was full of running and looked lively and sharp while his strike partner belied his build with some neat footwork and great turns.
The second half provided a good work-out for United's new-look team and some of the challenges were far from 'friendly'. Thorpe and Oldfield provided a good test for United's defence and the Sunderland observers cannot fail to have been impressed by Jody Craddock. Alongside him in defence and also impressive was Jamie Campbell, formerly of Barnet and playing for a contract with United.
Roy McFarland brought on four more substitutes in the second half, including trialist defender Jamie Murphy, and United were finishing the strongest when the game burst into life in injury time. Firstly Steve Davis' long-range shot rebounded off the United bar only for sub Paul McLaren to bury the rebound and seemingly decide the game. But two minutes into stoppage time a defensive slip allowed Trevor Benjamin to deservedly level the score, pouncing to force the ball home from two yards after Feuer misjudged a Billy Beall cross.
Cambridge Utd: Gayle, Chenery (Murphy 57), Wilson, Marc Joseph, Craddock, Campbell, Rees (Hayes 74), Ashbee (Williamson 78), Taylor (Kyd 45), Butler (Benjamin 45), Preece (Beall 57).
Sub not used: Wilde.
Roy McFarland successfully obtained approval from Crewe to field goalkeeper Mark Gayle and Walsall permitted Martin Butler to play tonight, but team-mate Chris Marsh missed out with a groin strain. Roy McFarland explained, "I am hoping to get clearance to play the trialists because we need to see them in a match situation."
| Thursday 24th July 1997 : Non-league defender update |
Earlier this week a 'Moosenet' source spoke to one of the players who has been on trial with Cambridge United this summer. Young Worthing defender Jay Pickering is returning to United shortly for more trials and he said he was keen to join as he was impressed by Roy McFarland's squad rebuilding and the good atmosphere at the club.
According to media reports, Jody Craddock will be watched during tomorrow night's match against Luton by representatives of Sunderland. He recently had a week on trial with the First Division side and they are watching him in pre-season games to help them make a final decision about him. One of our supporters spoke to a Sunderland scout at the Kingstonian match last weekend and the scout said they were impressed with Jody and that a move was a strong possibility. United are thought to value the defender at around £400,000.
There were also scouts from Chelsea and Crystal Palace at the match but they were thought to be watching Kingstonian's Eddie Akuamoah who had just returned from a trial with Nottingham Forest.
| Wednesday 23rd July 1997 : Premiership defender on trial ... Filan to start season for Rovers |
Cambridge United are giving a trial to central defender Neil Moore from Everton. The 25-year-old spent the end of last season on loan at Norwich City after failing to make the breakthrough to the senior side at Goodison Park, and he could feature on Friday evening when Luton Town visit the Abbey Stadium (7:45 kick-off). Juniors can watch the match from anywhere in the ground for a pound.
Goalkeeper Scott Barrett has still not signed a new contract but negotiations with the club are continuing.
Two eye-witness reports from last night's match gave the scorer of the second goal as Walsall trialist Martin Butler but the news services are crediting young winger Adam Wilde (left), who signed professional terms earlier this year, so I have changed the details of the result accordingly.
Former U's 'keeper John Filan will start the new season in Blackburn Rovers' first team after Tim Flowers was ruled out with a groin injury. He is expected to play at least the first three games of the new season.
| Tuesday 22nd July 1997 : Freak injury to Thommo |
| Bury St Edmunds | 0-3 | Cambridge United |
| Kyd | ||
| Wilde | ||
| Williamson | ||
| Att: not known |
Michael Kyd marked his return to action by powering through the Bury Town defence to score an early goal, young winger Adam Wilde pounced on a rebound to score the second and the impressive Davey Williamson capped a fine performance with a neat turn to add the third in the second half.
Roy McFarland used the game to look at a lot of fringe players and trialists, and Shaun Marshall played in goal. More details follow.
Defender Dave Thompson will miss out on the chance to stake his claim for regular first team place tonight in the friendly at Bury St Edmunds. He was pencilled in for a start in central defence in place of Jody Craddock but a freak accident has ruled him out for several weeks.
Thommo was attending former team-mate Paul Raynor's wedding when he slipped on some stairs and broke his jaw, and he required an operation to remove a wisdom tooth. This is especially hard luck after he missed the end of last season with a knee injury.
Former Everton centre-half Neil Moore is now due to start instead with a chance to stake his claim for a contract, and Roy McFarland will also be looking at Grimsby's Bury St Edmunds-born defender Jimmy Neal. Striker Michael Kyd is set for his first pre-season game after missing Saturday's match at Kingstonian with a minor injury and McFarland will rest some of the more senior players who took part at the weekend, bringing in youngsters Billy Beall, Adie Hayes, Adam Wilde and regular reserve Davey Williamson. Matt Joseph, Jamie Barnwell and Ian Ashbee are still sidelined.
United have arranged another warm-up match, at Wisbech a week on Thursday, to complete the pre-season schedule.
Defender Colin Vowden, who was released for the second time in his career by Cambridge United at the end of last season, has joined Vauxhall Conference side Kettering Town.
| Monday 21st July 1997 : Barrett in talks ... Kingstonian reactions |
Goalkeeper Scott Barrett is talking with Roy McFarland about staying with the club. Barrett is currently out of contract and has taken no part in pre-season training, but he made a surprise appearance for United in Saturday's friendly at Kingstonian. He answered an appeal for help from McFarland at the weekend after trialist keeper Mark Gayle was ruled out by a groin strain.
"The fact that we are talking about Scott staying is encouraging," said McFarland, "but it's impossible to say at this stage how those talks will go."
Barrett commented: "I was happy to help out because a match is what I needed at this stage of the pre-season. I'm not ruling out staying with United, but the terms have to be right for me. It's up to the club really."
The manager declared himself pleased with the comfortable 3-1 win against non-League Kingstonian, who appointed former Woking boss Geoff Chapple this summer.
"There were some good performances," he told the C.E.N., "and we looked quite fit and well-organised, which is what you are looking for at this point in the preparations. I'm still looking at players, and I'm bringing in defender Chris Marsh plus striker Martin Butler, from Walsall, to train with us this week. It looked as though Chris was going to Chesterfield, but he's decided to train with us for a while before making his decision."
Marsh and Butler are also believed to be looking into opportunities for free tranfers to European clubs.
Michael Cheetham, a member of John Beck's promotion sides of the early 90s, has joined neighbours Cambridge City, but he picked up an injury during his debut at the weekend.
| Saturday 19th July 1997 : Comfortable win in the heat at Kingston |
| Kingstonian | 1-3 | Cambridge United |
| Leworth | Benjamin 2 | |
| Taylor 39 | ||
| Wanless 54 | ||
| Att: not known |
United travelled to Surrey to face non-league Kingstonian and played in 80 degrees of sunshine. Jamie Barnwell, Matt Joseph, Ian Ashbee and Michael Kyd were all missing with various minor injuries but the biggest surprise about the team line-up was the presence in goal of Scott Barrett, who was widely believed to be joining Leyton Orient.
Former Luton and Portsmouth trialist Jason Rees stood out in midfield with some nice touches and ex-Barnet defender Jamie Campbell continued his trial with a solid performance in defence. He was joined in central defence by Jody Craddock and Marc Joseph, new signing Ben Chenery made his debut at right wing-back with Paul Wilson on the left. Paul Wanless held the centre of midfield with the neat touches of Rees and David Preece on either side, and the two big men, John Taylor and Trevor Benjamin, played up front.
Benjamin got the U's off to the perfect start with a goal after two minutes, Kingstonian drew level on the half hour but United restored the lead before half-time. Left-back Paul Wilson, who will sign a one year contract on the 1st of August, provided the corner kick and John Taylor met his cross to make the score 2-1. In the second half Marc Joseph made a great break from defence before passing to Paul Wanless, the midfielder played a good one-two with John Taylor before finishing the move with a goal.
A Sunderland scout was among the spectators, running the rule over target Jody Craddock.
United line-up: Barrett, Chenery, Marc Joseph, Craddock, Jamie Campbell (Murphy 70), Wilson, Preece (Hayes 81), Wanless (Beall 70), Rees, Taylor, Benjamin.
The next game is on Tuesday night when United travel to Bury St Edmunds (7.30pm kick-off). The team will feature several reserves and trialists but some of the first team will take part.
Out-of-contract winger Paul Raynor has completed a successful trial period with Chinese side Guang Deong Wen Yuan and his transfer is on the verge of being completed. He told club secretary Steve Greenall that he had to undergo some very stringent medical tests and a speed trial that he passed with one second to spare! Paul's family are travelling to China next week and as long as they are happy he will sign in the next few days. United will then receive the transfer fee of £22,000.
United will also keep an eager eye out for the result of the transfer tribunal for ex-goalkeeper John Filan. He has moved from Coventry City to Blackburn Rovers but as he is out of contract at City and the clubs have been unable to agree a fee, the tribunal will set a value. If that is in excess of the £200,000 already received for Filan, United will receive a very welcome sell-on percentage. Filan's predecessor in the United goal has also moved this week, with Jon Sheffield completing a move from Peterboring United to Plymouth Argyle on Friday.
| Friday 18th July 1997 : Micah signs for Watford ... 'keeper injured |
Cambridge United skipper Micah Hyde has joined Watford today in a £250,000 transfer. The 22-year-old midfielder rejected new terms at the Abbey Stadium when his contract ran out at the end of June, saying he wanted to play at a higher level. Micah completed a successful trial spell with the Hornets which included the club's pre-season tour to Lithuania and he scored their only goal in the first match. The initial fee is believed to be £150,000 with another £100,000 based in appearances.
Watford boss Graham Taylor told the Watford Observer, "Micah is 22 and has this snappiness, can see a pass and can score the occasional goal. He is a midfield player who gives us something we have not got. He is powerful, strong and makes good runs."
Micah was United's longest serving player after six years with the club, assuming that mantle after the March departure of defender Danny Granville to Chelsea, and he was close to a move last season when Premiership side Coventry City took a keen interest in him.
United manager Roy McFarland commented to the C.E.N., "We are sorry to have lost our skipper, but bearing in mind he was out of contract and keen to move on I think we got a very good deal. The negotiations with Watford manager Graham Taylor were professionally conducted and very civilised. I wish all deals could be dealt with in the same manner. I think we've received a fair price for the player, and we also have clauses which cover any sell-on, plus a bonus if Watford gain promotion.
"Having said that, I am well aware of the concerns of the supporters who have seen Danny Granville and now Micah leave the club. I met the Supporters Association this week and assured them I would be doing all I could to make sure we get good replacements. It's not easy in our financial position, but I believe a bit more money would become available if Jody Craddock's move to Sunderland goes through."
United are rumoured to be losing around £8,000 a week, with outstanding debts and mortgages in the region of £700,000. Of last season's squad Granville, Hyde, Paul Raynor and Tony Richards have been sold, realising almost £500,000 so far, with appearance-based fees possibly adding another £300,000.
McFarland has a pressing problem ahead of tomorrow's friendly at Kingston-on-Thames, with no senior goalkeeper to face non-league Kingstonian. Mark Gayle, who joined this week on loan from Crewe, aggravated a groin strain in the practice match at Ipswich which leaves teenager Shaun Marshall as the only goalkeeper on the books.
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| Thursday 17th July 1997 : Watford want Micah ... good test in private against Ipswich |
Watford are aiming to sign Micah Hyde after he impressed manager Graham Taylor during a 10-day trial. The United skipper travelled with the Watford squad on their pre-season tour of Lithuania and featured in both matches, scoring in the first. The managers have already had initial talks about a transfer, and they hope to thrash out a deal this week. United have not disclosed their valuation of the out-of-contract midfielder but the fee is expected to be in excess of £200,000.
Today's C.E.N. reports that former England boss Taylor told Roy McFarland: "The lad gives us something we haven't got in our squad."
McFarland commented, "We'd like to get it sorted out without having to go to a tribunal, and I believe that's the way Graham Taylor is thinking. Both teams have that option if we can't reach agreement, and we won't be letting Micah go cheaply. He was close to a move to Premiership Coventry City last season, and we have their valuation on him to take into any tribunal."
United played a behind closed doors friendly against first division Ipswich Town yesterday, with Roy McFarland using his entire squad in two 45 minute games. One of the games was drawn 1-1 thanks to a John Taylor goal, the other was a 3-0 defeat. The star for Ipswich was their England Youth star Kieron Dyer, who played during the recent World Youth Cup in Malaysia. He scored two goals from the wing-back position, with Mauricio Tarricco and Chris Keeble the other scorers.
McFarland used the games to take a good look at trialists Jamie Campbell, the Barnet defender who had a loan spell with United the season before last, and young Walsall striker Martin Butler. "We did well particularly in the first match," he said. "It was encouraging against such a good passing side as Ipswich."
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| Wednesday 16th July 1997 : Craddock playing for a Sunderland move |
After spending a week on trial at North-East giants Sunderland, Jody Craddock has returned to Cambridge United to resume pre-season training, but he faces probably the biggest test of his career so far in nine days time. Second Division Luton Town are the visitors to the Abbey Stadium next Friday for a pre-season friendly, but Sunderland manager Peter Reid will be watching Craddock in action before deciding whether to offer the 21-year-old centre-half a big money move to the First Division.
"Sunderland said they were pleased with my work during training up there, but they want to see me in a match situation," said Jody. "That makes the friendly an important game for me, but I've had a bit of experience now and I don't think I'll be too nervous. I know I have to play well against Luton, but if you are going to get on in the game that's what you have to do anyway. I enjoyed my week up there. They have a great set-up and must have a very good chance of winning promotion straight back to the Premiership. I turned down a couple of moves last season, but this is one I'd love to make, and I'll be doing all I can to make it happen."
Meanwhile United midfielder Micah Hyde is in his second week of training with second division Watford, and by all accounts he has made a good impression already, scoring the equaliser in a friendly game in Lithuania. Roy McFarland is due for transfer talks this week with Watford boss Graham Taylor, with Micah rated at between £200,000 and £400,000.
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| Tuesday 15th July 1997 : United miss out on Marsh ... Crewe goalkeeper joins on loan |
Tuesday 15th July, 1997
The Daily Telegraph reports that Walsall midfielder Chris Marsh, who joined United for pre-season training last week, has signed for FA Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield in a £80,000 move. Marsh was hoping to join United but Roy McFarland said on Friday that he was not currently able to buy players: "I can't lie to Chris. We are not in a position financially at the moment to make him an offer close to the Chesterfield one."
McFarland is waiting to see if the trial spells of Jody Craddock and Micah Hyde turn into permanent moves before he knows if he will have money to spend on new players. TEAMtalk report that so far Sunderland manager Peter Reid has not hinted at whether or not Craddock will be offered a permanent deal, while Hyde is currently one week into a month's trial at Watford. The United skipper scored Watford's goal after 30 minutes as the Hornets drew 1-1 with Lithuanian side Inkaras on Sunday.
Today's CEN reports that goalkeeper Mark Gayle joined United yesterday on loan from Crewe. The 28-year-old arrives as cover for the unsettled and out-of-contract Scott Barrett who was expected to join Leyton Orient. Tommy Taylor has refused to pay a fee for the 34-year-old, but Barrett has not signed the deal on offer from United, leaving his position unclear. Roy McFarland says there has been no further interest from Orient and he is having talks with Barrett this week.
"We needed to get an experienced keeper in," said McFarland. "It's difficult to say at this stage what is going to happen with Scott Barrett. We've told Scott the door is open here for him, and so far there has been no renewal of interest in him from Leyton Orient."
At 6'2" Gayle could be one of the tallest 'keepers to appear in a United shirt for some years! He was an ever-present for Crewe the season before last, after spells with Leicester City and Walsall, and Crewe boss Dario Gradi has agreed to United using him on loan if they are without a goalkeeper when the season starts on August 9th. Gayle is likely to play in tomorrow's private training match at Ipswich, when the United manager plans to use the three half hour sections to get a look at his entire squad of players before Saturday's friendly at non-League Kingstonians.
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| Saturday 12th July, 1997 : Filan move could generate some cash for United |
Further to the report that John Filan has moved from Coventry City to Blackburn Rovers, talks are still ongoing between the two clubs to determine a fee. Former U's goalkeeper Filan was out of contract at Coventry and Roy Hodgson has taken the Australian to Ewood Park as cover for Tim Flowers. When he left the Abbey in March 1995 Cambridge United received a fee of £200,000, which was due to rise to £350,000 on appearances. Sadly he did not make enough appearances to trigger any further payment but United will receive a percentage of any fee in excess of the original £200,000.
Talks are currently taking place between Gordon Strachan and Hodgson to try to decide a mutually agreeable figure and Roy McFarland will be hoping that they agree soon, as any extra cash would help enormously in his plans this summer.
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Following yesterday's transfer tribunal over Tony Richards, financial controller Steve Greenall has declared himself happy with the outcome: "We didn't pay anything for the player two seasons ago," he said, "and, on the face of it, Orient seemed to have a good case. But I'm glad the criteria on which we based our claim were upheld by the tribunal. He was a first team regular until he was injured last season. It stands us in good stead if Orient try to sign another of our players, goalkeeper Scott Barrett."
United manager Roy McFarland said he thought it had been a fair tribunal: "Unfortunately I didn't see the best of Tony because of his injuries, but the fee we are receiving is in line with market values. John Beck at Lincoln offered a bit more, £20,000, but Tony didn't want to make that move."
One of the trialists hoping to impress the manager in pre-season training is believed to be Worthing defender Jay Pickering, a young central defender. I am told by a follower of United and Worthing that Jay is inexperienced but has a lot of potential, and he may well sign before the start of the season.
One highly-regarded trialist that we may miss out on is Walsall midfielder Chris Marsh. The 27-year-old is keen to join United and turned down second division Chesterfield to join United for pre-season training, but the F.A. Cup semi-finalists have made him an improved offer, much to McFarland's frustration.
"I can't lie to Chris," said the United boss. "We are not in a position financially at the moment to make him an offer close to the Chesterfield one. I don't really know what funds are there until something happens with Jody Craddock at Sunderland or Micah Hyde at Watford. And that could take weeks."
Tony Richards will sign for Leyton Orient after a Football League transfer tribunal decided upon his valuation this afternoon. Orient must pay United an immediate sum of £10,000 with an extra £5,000 triggered after thirty appearances, plus 15% of any future transfer fee.
Richards has been a target for former U's manager Tommy Taylor for several months and the change of clubs means he can return to his native East London. The winger began last season with a startling blonde haircut and made a bright start, netting four times in twelve games before injury kept him on the sidelines for several months. By the time he was fit Taylor had departed for Orient and Richards had to impress the new manager Roy McFarland, and his cause was not helped by a viral infection which kept him out of action for the latter stages of the season. There were rumours of a rift between player and manager but just a fortnight ago McFarland went on record as saying, "I wanted Tony to stay, but when we offered him the new deal he said he was looking to leave. He's had a rough time with injuries since I've been here and obviously wants to make a fresh start."
A former West Ham trainee, Richards served United for two seasons after arriving from non-league Sudbury Town in August 1995. He finished off one of our goals of the season at Northampton last September when Micah Hyde ran half the length of the pitch, drew the defence and then set up Richards for a great first time finish.
Roy McFarland was pleased with this afternoon's decision: "The tribunal went very well. We were looking for £25,000, we've got £15,000 with part based on games. The sad thing is it doesn't help when you lose a player."
He feels the loss of Richards will leave the team a little short on fire-power but added, "We're looking all the time. It's difficult at the moment with the players like Jody, Micah and Matty Joseph. Their future isn't decided. They would all like to go provided it was for higher grade football, but it doesn't help our plans when we're running on a tight budget."
Jody Craddock is currently on trial at North East giants Sunderland, while Micah Hyde - who was linked with several Premiership clubs in recent months - is surprisingly on trial at second division Watford. Once McFarland knows if these players are definitely leaving he should have a rough idea if he can expect any funds to come his way for team strengthening.
The transfer tribunal to decide a fee for United's out-of-contract winger Tony Richards will be held in London tomorrow. It is a conditional tribunal which means that Leyton Orient can pull out of the deal if they believe the fee is too high. United want £25,000 plus a sell-on percentage of any future fee for Richards, while club secretary Steve Greenall says Orient have offered a "very small fee".
Greenall believes that Orient are bluffing over their assertion that they are no longer interested in goalkeeper Scott Barrett. Former U's boss Tommy Taylor has said that he will not pay money for a player he signed on a free transfer two years ago, but as Barrett was offered a new contract United are entitled to expect a fee under current transfer rules.
On the subject of goalkeepers, our Peterboring spy reports from today's Evening Telegraph :
| Cambridge Utd are keen to take back Jon Sheffield but are not so keen on spending any money.
A cheeky transfer request got the reply from Fry, "You must be joking! I'd have got lynched by our fans if I'd let him go back there for nothing. If there was an offer on the table similar to what we paid for him (£150,000), I might be interested. Until there is I'm happy for him to fight for his place and Jon says he's happy to do that as well ..." |
Bradford City are rumoured to be interested in Sheffield. There is little doubt that he is a good goalkeeper and he deserves better than to compete for a first team place at London Road!
Roy McFarland has moved to plug the gaps left by the likely departures of Jody Craddock and Micah Hyde by bringing in two players on trial.
Walsall skipper Chris Marsh has been consistently linked with the U's this summer and the £80,000-rated attacking midfielder could be seen as a replacement for Hyde. He is joined by 24-year-old defender Jamie Murphy who began his career with Blackpool, making 67 appearances before joining Doncaster Rovers on a free transfer in 1995. The Manchester-born player usually operates in the back four but can play further forward. Both players are joining the squad during pre-season training to allow McFarland to have a good look at them.
Jody Craddock has joined First Division Sunderland on trial today and will train with them this week. The 21-year-old defender was selected in the PFA Divisional team at the end of last season after rejecting moves to Oxford and Preston. Jody is a free agent but United will probably be looking for around £400,000 for him - the amount offered by Oxford in February. Craddock joined United in the summer of 1993 from non-league Christchurch.
In addition, club skipper Micah Hyde has joined Second Division side Watford for a similar trial period. The skillful midfielder has previously been linked with Chelsea, Coventry City, Walsall and, just this morning, Brentford. Valued by United at more than £200,000, Hyde is a product of United's youth system and he signed professional terms in the summer of 1993 after serving a two-year-YTS. Like Craddock, the 22-year-old is out of contract and has made it clear that he feels his future lies in a higher division.
These latest developments mean that of the six players who refused to sign new deals, only Player of the Year Matt Joseph still has to settle his future. United fans would be delighted to see the versatile and popular defender stay at the Abbey, and his experience would be particular valuable in view of recent departures. In addition to Craddock and Hyde's impending moves, Paul Raynor has gone to play in China, Tony Richards will join Leyton Orient on Thursday subject to a transfer tribunal and goalkeeper Scott Barrett looks sure to follow the same route.
There are rumours generated by our country cousins from the north of the county that out-of-contract defender Jody Craddock is considering a move to Peterboring United, and they suggest that both United and Craddock's agent have had talks with P*sh over a possible move. How young Jody (and United's bank manager!) must wish he had jumped at the £400,000 offer from First Division Oxford United in February!
I must stress that there is no foundation to these rumours at the moment, but should they prove to be true then it is not beyond the bounds of imagination that out-of-favour goalkeeper Jon Sheffield may be included in a player-plus-cash swap deal. Sheffield played for United until three seasons ago and still lives near Cambridge, and with Scott Barrett apparently eager to link up again with Tommy Taylor at Leyton Orient he would be the ideal, experienced replacement.
Following on from yesterday's new signing, there were two additional faces this morning when the players returned for pre-season training: Portsmouth midfielder Jason Rees and Scunthorpe defender Paul Wilson. Both men have the experience Roy McFarland felt was missing from the squad last season and are set to join United on free transfers.
Paul Wilson is a familiar face, having spent the final two months of last season on loan at the Abbey and playing seven times. The 28-year-old left-back is a deadball specialist and quickly became popular with the supporters. His previous clubs include Northampton Town and York City.
Jason Rees, a 27 year old former Welsh international, impressed United manager Roy McFarland in a trial game for our reserves at the end of last season. Rees was a Luton team-mate of player-coach David Preece and spent five years with the Hatters before moving to Portsmouth three seasons ago.
"They are experienced, proven players," said McFarland, "the kind we need to help bring on our youngsters."
5ft 5ins Rees has represented Wales at every level and earned a full cap against Austria in 1993, but made only three First Division appearances last season. However he was an influential figure for Pompey's reserves, helping them to the runner-up spot in the Avon Insurance Combination behind Wimbledon.
"It seemed no matter how well I played I wasn't going to get a run in the side," said Rees. "When that happens it's time to move on. I feel I'm at my peak as a player and I want to be a first team regular."
Out-of-contract winger Tony Richards has agreed terms with Leyton Orient, and a tribunal will agree a fee next Thursday after Cambridge described Orient's offer as "derisory".
Roy McFarland has made his first signing of the close-season by persuading Luton Town defender Ben Chenery to join on a free transfer. Chenery, originally from Ipswich, is a 20-year-old full-back and he joins United on a one year deal. United play Luton in a pre-season friendly at the Abbey on Friday 25th July.
There is a new signing off the field too. United say they are determined to maximise their financial potential this season, and to prove it they have head-hunted a top commercial manager. Carla Ferdiani has joined the U's from Barnet and replaces Dave Smith, who has left the club. Two months ago, the football magazine Four Four Two featured the financial situations of United and other clubs and came up with some suggestions for generating more income. It will be interesting to see if Carla is receptive to their ideas as the magazine has promised to follow up.
The squad return for pre-season training tomorrow and there will be no easy start for them: Manager Roy McFarland plans two days of running up and down the hills on Royston Heath as a welcome!
Meanwhile, former U's goalkeeper John Filan is leaving Coventry City. The Australian failed like many before him to displace the ever-green Steve Ogrizovic and will move to Blackburn Rovers. He will understudy Tim Flowers' in the wake of Shay Given's departure to Newcastle United.
The U's have added another pre-season friendly to their schedule and travel to Kingstonians on Saturday July the 19th. A Colchester United source reports that the game at Layer Road due to be played on Sunday 28th December will now be played on Monday 29th December, no details yet of the kick-off time.
Cambridge United rather than F.A. Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield?
That is the preference of Walsall captain Chris Marsh! As reported here on Friday, the 27-year-old midfielder held talks with United manager Roy McFarland and he said he was more impressed with United than the Spireites, who have offered him a two-year contract. However no serious transfer talks have yet taken place between the clubs.
Walsall are said to value Marsh, who recently completed his testimonial season at the Bescot Stadium, at around £80,000 which would be well out of United's reach. However the Midlands side have proposed a possible swap deal which would mean Marsh plus 22-year-old striker Martin Butler moving to the Abbey Stadium in exchange for United skipper Micah Hyde.
Hyde is out of contract and is looking for a move to a higher division, but it seems unlikely that second division Walsall is quite what he was hoping for when he has been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace and Wolves in recent weeks. Even if Hyde agreed to the move United would also want a considerable cash adjustment in addition to the two players.
Roy McFarland said, "I'd like to bring in the two Walsall lads, but we are not close to a deal. I talked to four other players over the last few days and I'm hoping to have a couple with us, even if it's only on a trial basis when we start our pre-season training on Thursday. Our position is complicated because we don't know at this stage how many of our out-of- contract players are likely to leave, and how soon they might go."
The United boss is believed to have opened negotiations for a goalkeeper as a replacement for Scott Barrett, who is having talks with Leyton Orient. Winger Tony Richards is also set to join Orient if next week's League tribunal sets a transfer fee which is acceptable to ex-United boss Tommy Taylor.
The positions of the three remaining out-of-contract players - Hyde, Jody Craddock and Matt Joseph - remains unclear. All three are now free agents after their contracts expired yesterday and all have been linked with Premiership or first division sides, but none of them seem to be close to a move at the moment.