Friday 30th June 2000 : Mixed news of ex-Us

News of two former players is mixed, with one on his way up again and the other joining more old boys at Boston United.

Birmingham defender Gary Rowett is close to returning to the Premiership with Leicester City for £3m, while former midfielder Simon Livett joins Dr Martens Premier League side Boston United.

Rowett graduated from United's youth scheme to sign professional terms in 1991 and made 63 League appearances and scored nine goals before joining Mike Walker's Everton for £200,000 in 1994. After a handful of games for the Toffees and a loan spell at Blackpool, he moved on to Derby County and then Birmingham City and made over 100 appearances for each. Now established as an experienced defender who was selected for the PFA divisional team at Birmingham, he will become Peter Taylor's first signing for Leicester if, as expected, he completes his transfer early next week.

31-year-old midfielder Livett was with United between 1993 to 1995 and joins Boston from Dover Athletic. He will play alongside three other former Us, namely goalkeeper Paul Bastock and midfielders Adi Hayes and Paul Raynor.

Thanks to Stuart Tinsley for news of Simon Livett.