League Two Round Up: Week One

By David Ashton

WELCOME to this weeks round up of the ongoing news and happenings which surround the Coca-Cola Football League Two.

As I’m sure many of you are aware of, Grays Athletic and ex Rochdale and Oldham star Ernie Cooksie died 2 weeks ago at the tender age of 28, with his funeral being held in London close to his dearest friends and family, I’d like to thank those who made the trip to his tear-jerking ceremony and I`m sure you will all agree when I say all our wishes are with Ernie`s family and friends!

Now onto a brighter note with all the latest transfer news which is currently taking action in the Coca-Cola Football League Two. This week saw Morecambe add a different dimension to their attack with the recruitment of Peterborough forward Rene Howe on loan until the end of the season. After only making two appearances for Darren Ferguson`s side last term he was loaned out to divisional rivals Rochdale, where he impressed greatly scoring nine goals for Keith Hill’s side as they pushed for promotion to League One.

Morecambe fans will be hoping he can emulate this form and send Morecambe on their way to a successful campaign this time around.

On a less satisfying note for Morecambe fans, tricky winger Carl Baker has signed for Stockport County in a deal worth £175,000 rising to £225,000, with the Hatters trying to build a team capable of meeting the demands of Coca-Cola League One.

Could this move provide the money for Morecambe gaffer Sammy McIlroy to strengthen his side in other areas? Or is Carl Bakers loss too much of a blow for the Lancashire based outfit? Let’s hope it isn’t used to tempt the Accrington Stanley management into a deal for Ian Craney.

Wycombe Wanderers have also strengthened their squad with the recruitment of 25 year old Mr. Versatility, Lewis Hunt on a free transfer after he was released by Southend United at the end of last season.

Peter Taylor was pleased to have landed his man stating: “He can play in different positions, he’s got good experience and he’s got two promotions at Southend in the past”… Could this be a quality acquisition for the chairboys as they look to put their play off heartache behind them?

However with the loss of fans favourite Sergio Torres to Peterborough could this signal the end of an era for the Adams park outfit?

Wanderers fans will also be pleased to here that midfielder Matt Bloomfield has agreed a new contract which will keep him with the club for another two years. Taylor has also added midfielder Nathan Ashton from Fulham to his ranks as he tries to find a replacement to fill the void left by Sergio torres.

Ashton, who has also spent time in his career at Charlton Athletic will be no-doubt excited by the lure of first team football after failing to break into the first team at Craven Cottage.

Lincoln City manager Peter Jackson has also signalled his intentions to strengthen his squad with the recruitment of Romanian forward Adrian Patulea, after the striker spent a weeks trial with the Lincolnshire based where he made a massive impact in his short time, with gaffer Peter Jackson stating the hitman has “something about him” after hitting four goals in just one and a half games in Pre-Season friendlies. Could The Romanian goal machine be the man to fire Lincoln to promotion this season?

However fellow trialists will not be pursued with Dean Barnes and Abdou Bojang failing to impress the Imps` boss.

Barnet are also close to adding to their squad with former Gretna ace Nicky Deverdics set to sign on the dotted line in the coming days. The former Gretna midfielder could be seen as some what of a coup for Paul Fairclough`s team as it was reported he rejected a League One side in order to sign for the Bees as he sets his sights on becoming a firm fans favourite for the Underhill faithful.

Luton Town have also been dealt another blow which will only rub salt in the wounds of the 30 point deduction, with midfielder David Bell leaving Kenilworth Road for Championship outfit Norwich City.

With a 3rd consecutive relegation looming over Town, losing their best players such as Bell sends out a signal of discontent which hovers over the debt ridden club.

Meanwhile Bradford City have snapped up Mansfield pair, and siblings, Michael and Rory Boulding both of whom have signed two-year contracts at the Coral Windows Stadium. Michael, who was prolific last season for Mansfield, has been praised by manager Stuart McCall who has labelled him as his “main striker” while Rory Boulding, who is still only 20 years of age is expected to be one for the future for the Bantams.

Liverpools Godwin Antwi has also joined League One outfit Tramere Rovers after they beat a host of clubs to his signature including our Accrington Stanley, who assistant manager Jimmy Bell confirmed were interested in.

Bournemouth have also made strides in their attempts to strenghten their squad by offering a trial to former England and Charlton Athletic left-back Chris Powell after his release from Charlton at the back end of last season. Can his wealth of experience be enough to earn a contract with the cherries?

And of course we’ve saved the best until last as Accrington boss John Coleman wrapepd up the signing of former Liverpool and Shrewsbury youngster Jimmy Ryan, who penned a contract on Wednesday evening, adding to the captures of Colin Murdock, John Mullin and Chris King.

That`s all for this week people but stay tuned for next weeks edition to keep up with all the news and goings on to keep you Stanley fans up to date with what is going on in and around League Two.