George Burley has confirmed that he thinks the Richard Wright transfer will still go through despite reports at the weekend that Feyenoord still believed that Jerzy Dudek was an Arsenal target. As far as Town are concerned Wright has agreed a basic deal with the North Londoners with only a few details and a medical to be sorted.
Burley was asked who'd be between the Town sticks at the Stadium of Light on the first day of the season and he responded: "Well, it won't be Richard."
Although the price remains undisclosed the figure being bandied about is £5 million, although we have heard it may be lower than that.
No more news of the Town keeper target, with Andy Marshall top of the list while Ian Walker and Magnus Hedman are the other players thought to be interesting the club.
A number of Town players have returned to pre-season training early to work with fitness coach Simon Thadani. Titus Bramble, Martijn Reuser, Nabil Abidallah as well as Jim Magilton and Keith Branagan who both had summer operations have all returned early.
Pre-season proper starts next Thursday when Town go through a fitness programme at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.
As expected the games at home to Blackburn and Leeds will both be Sunday matches due to Town's involvement in the UEFA Cup on the preceding Thursday.
Both games are likely to be 3pm kick-offs.