Town have failed in a bid to sign Celtic midfielder and George Burley's nephew Craig Burley. The deal was described by David Sheepshanks as a 'non-goer' as the Glasgow club are looking to get about £2.5-£3 million for the out of favour midfielder. Sheepshanks continued "On a First Division budget, we are not able to compete in terms of wages, let alone get near the asking price fee-wise."
Town have also admitted an interest in Sergei Baltacha, as reported here yesterday. David Sheepshanks said "We have made no bid, but we have asked St Mirren to keep in touch with us regarding him."
"There is a bit of sentimentality involved, but young Sergei is a fine young prospect."
George Burley and the Town chairman watched both players at the weekend, Craig Burley for the Scottish full side and Baltacha Junior for the U21s.
The injury situation at Portman Road looks healthier than it did. David Johnson has been training with the first team squad and seems to feel few effects of the ankle injury which kept him out of the Welsh side that played Switzerland at the weekend. Further good news is that both Mickey Stockwell and Stuart Niven are both not looking at as bad injuries as expected. Stockwell injured his groin in training whilst Niven damaged knee ligaments in the reserve game at Colchester last week. Stockwell could well make the game on Saturday against QPR and Niven will be out for a month, a lot less than was first feared.
Richard Naylor is asking for a personal hearing into the FA charge of misconduct. Naylor is accused after an incident during the Birmingham game last month. Town manager George Burley said "Richard will ask for a personal hearing. I've seen the video and there was some jostling and [Darren] Purse went down. It seems amazing to me that, of all the incidents that take place, the FA should want to see that one again." We're with on that one George. Funny what pressure high profile managers like Trevor Francis at big clubs like Birmingham can bring to bear isn't it?