The deal making Keith Branagan a Town player for the next two years has been confirmed. The goalkeeper agreed the contract verbally early last month, but formally signed yesterday. Branagan could well be a very important member of the squad this season if Richard Wright moves on.
Meanwhile, back in the world of transfer rows it seems our goalkeeping hero is ready to talk to the club on his return. Town manager George Burley said yesterday: "Richard is now on holiday but talks will take place on his return and I am encouraged by his attitude. He fully understands our position with his contract ending in twelve months time". Given the lack of interest in him from other clubs despite/because of agent Jonathan Barnett's efforts over the last couple of weeks, I suspect we may seem Wright sign a year's deal.
The club is looking at ways of allowing more fans to see Town games this season. With many likely to miss out due to the huge demand for tickets the club are to check the feasibilty of using local cinemas to screen games as well as the new big screen which is being built as part of the South Stand (ie Churchman's) development for away games. The big screen should be in place by November. Sounds like a good idea..
Town's away game with Liverpool scheduled for Saturday December 10th has provisionally been moved to the next day. Liverpool's European commitments are to blame.
Jonas Axeldal is off to AGF Aarhus in Denmark. The Swede failed to make the grade at Town and is joining an old comrade at Claus Thomsen's old club. Lennart Bak said: "I played together with him at Foggia and learnt that he is a hard-working, well-shooting player." Well-shooting eh?
Mick Stockwell is talking to Colchester about a contract. Mick is well-known to many United players as they were virtually all in the Town side that was promoted in 1992. Stockwell was released by Town at the end of the season after nineteen years with the club.
No news as yet on the two Premiership internationals Town have bid for, although it seems that we are favourite for the signature of Sunderland defender Darren Williams (see yesterday).