Boss Joe Royle says he expects skipper Jim Magilton to turn down the offer of a player-coach role at Oxford United. Oldham Athletic have also shown an interest in taking the Northern Irishman on loan for the rest of the season.

Royle said he doesn't anticipate the 36-year-old making a return to the U's: "It was always down to Jim and still is but I think he is staying and I'm more than happy with that."

As widely predicted, Town will not be making any additions to the squad before Thursday's transfer deadline with the season to all intents and purposes over already.

The Town manager has also revealed that he will not be working for the BBC at this summer's World Cup. Royle, who has a year left of his current Town contract, is expected to undergo his second knee replacement operation during the close season, having had surgery on the other knee last year.

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