TWTD understands former Walsall central defender Jon Guthrie trained with the Blues at Playford Road today.

Guthrie, 26, left the Saddlers at the end of last season following their relegation to League Two after two years at the Bescot Stadium.

Prior to that the Devizes-born centre-half started his professional career with Crewe Alexandra having previously been with non-league Pewsey Vale. While with the Alex he spent time on loan with Leek Town.

Guthrie (pictured above, centre, red shirt) recently spent time on trial with Oxford United as he looks to find a new club.

The 6ft 3in tall centre-half could be involved for the Blues in tomorrow night’s friendly at Notts County.

Town are in the market for another senior centre-half with skipper Luke Chambers and Toto Nsiala the only experienced out-and-out central defenders at the club, ahead of youngsters Luke Woolfenden and Corrie Ndaba, and the likes of Cole Skuse, Janoi Donacien and Myles Kenlock who play that role in addition to their primary positions.

Chambers will miss the opening game against Burton due to suspension, while Nsiala suffered a hamstring injury at the Interwetten Cup, which has ruled him out for six weeks.

Former Lincoln City man James Wilson similarly joined in with training last week and came on as a sub in the 5-0 win at Colchester on Friday evening.

Speaking about Wilson after the victory over the U’s, manager Paul Lambert said: “There’s not really any news on James. He’s not done anything the whole pre-season and we asked if we could have a look at him.

“He’s trained a little bit and he did really well when he came on but he’s miles short of match fitness, as he will admit himself.

“He’s really comfortable with the ball and he has been a good player. It’s just about his game time and training time, which is way down.

“But centre-half is an area we must look at. We need experience but the problem with James is that he hasn’t trained.”

Elsewhere, former Bury defender Adam Thompson, who was linked with Town last week, is training with Bolton with a view to joining the Trotters.

Photo: Action Images

dirtydingusmagee added 10:03 - Jul 23 face it, most Lge 1 and lower players will be unknown to many on here [despite claims to the contrary] we are are not going to be bringing in big names from above Lge1 with the budget Evans has set.
1

martin587 added 10:13 - Jul 23 We desperately need a seasoned CB and it will be impossible to buy one so looking at these players is the only way to go so we have to accept it.As somebody has already said most of these players are unknown to us.Who knows we may well unearth a good CB.Woolfenden will still get his chance I'm sure.Lets not fret to much and trust in PL.
4

GSH71 added 10:21 - Jul 23 We will be stuck in this league for a few seasons I think at least, chairman has no interest apart from just ticking the club over. Just a way of laundering his money. He needs to sell and get someone who has fight and passion . All players linked seem to be rejects from lower league clubs , there is no ambition . No striker yet to replace the lad from hull . No center half in yet let's hope we are not a laughing stock after about 10 games , future looks dark

-2

Facefacts added 10:25 - Jul 23 You can tell PL is frustrated that Wilson didn't keep in shape. Very interesting situation with Guthrie too - a Saddlers site says he's been in teams that have conceded 150 goals in the last two seasons (including Walsall).. PL just doesn't trust the youth - most managers would be the same. Ndaba and Woolfenden - one of these, probably Woolfenden, will get his chance at Burton, but the other place we are going round trying to find available, fit, experienced centre halves. Or it could be Myles or Cole if fit.

1

PortmanTerrorist added 11:28 - Jul 23 Go get Tilt from Blackpool - would have kept us up last season !
2

BlueBlood90 added 11:42 - Jul 23 @PortmanTerrorist 1) We don't have £1m to spend on anyone like Tilt. 2) Messi and Ronaldo wouldn't have kept us up last season.
0

Lightningboy added 12:19 - Jul 23 Think it's time we had a bit of faith in Woolfenden as one of our main 3 centre-backs next season rather than some of the names we've been linked with...even Emanuel should be considered as back up in the centre,he's a big strong lad who can head the ball.
0

HARRY10 added 12:38 - Jul 23 This has all the makings of having to make up the numbers for a Sunday morning pub team. Any one who thinks we are going to make a serious challenge for even a play off spot is seriously deluded. Any wonder Judge wants to 'jump ship', I fear he may not be the only one wanting out if this is a measure of our ambition.
2

atty added 15:02 - Jul 23 Agree with SaigonTractor. If we're going to go freebee then do it to have number at the back. If we're going to spend bigger on wages do it up front. Also, we could soon need two new midfielders! So much optimism at the end of last season even though we were relegated. First league game Saturday week, still short up front and at the back, Judge and Dozzell could leave,and eight players injured. I think we'll do ok and we'll see more wins(remember those?), but we do need to have a good start.

0

istanblue added 16:19 - Jul 23 If that Lincoln defender was us shopping at Poundland, then this bloke is us doing our shopping at food banks!
0

dirtydingusmagee added 20:37 - Jul 23 can see its going to be fun on here this season !.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls