The Verheyen affair trundles on this morning with Town chairman David Sheepshanks reacting angrily to claims that Club Brugge are set to report Town to FIFA. The Belgians say Town have made an illegal approach for Verheyen by talking to the player without his club's permission which is an offence under FIFA rules. The Town chairman said: "We are not aware of any charge or any wrong-doing on our part. We have had a friendly discussion with the managing director of Brugge over the last few weeks but recognise that they are unwilling sellers and unhappy about the way the situation has developed. I cannot comment further."
Reports in some quarters a week and a half ago suggested that Town and Verheyen had agreed a fee, although this was not confirmed. Town usually are very careful to act in accordance with transfer regulations with George Burley generally refusing to comment on players in contract at other clubs. It would be a great surprise if Town had contravened the rules in the manner suggested.
Town could be without both Titus Bramble and Jermaine Wright for Saturday's game with West Ham. Titus may not recover from his cold in time to face Harry Redknapp's men, while Wright will face a late fitness test on his groin strain. Bramble's replacement is likely to be James Scowcroft as Martijn Reuser is also suffering with a minor injury. The Dutchman has an ankle problem and is unlikely to play a part against the Hammers. Mark Venus will deputise for Bramble if he fails to recover in time. Town's other injury victims at present are Keith Branagan (knee problem, on the way back), Guillermo Graaven (ankle, three months away from fitness) and Wayne Brown (hip/groin problem, off in Tenerife resting). Probable squad: R Wright, Wilnis, Clapham, Hreidarsson, Bramble, Venus, Scales, McGreal, Holland, Magilton, Scowcroft, J Wright, Stewart, Naylor, Johnson, Salmon, Karic and Croft.
The Blues have been hit with a £2,500 fine for failing to meet Premiership floodlight standards. It seems our old lights, replaced at one end last week, were just not up to the job. The new lights are more than adequate, fulfilling standards well above those set by UEFA. New lights will be added at the Churchman's end as part of the current development.