Division Three News

Last updated : 21 December 2003 By Matt Carrington

Doncaster Rovers have extended the contract of midfielder John Doolan for another 12-months whilst Rovers boss Dave Penney is also trying to negotiate a deal with Sunderland that will see on-loan striker Chris Brown stay until the end of the season. Meanwhile, Paul Barnes has been granted a free transfer. Player-Coach Paul Barnes has been granted a free transfer by the club after Barnes wasn't guaranteed a coaching role with Rovers for next season.

Kidderminster Harriers have sold Matt Lewis to Hinckley Town. The 19-year old has cost the non-league side £5,000.

Keith Curle has picked up the manager of the month award for November. The Mansfield Town boss guided his side to a number of impressive displays accumulating 10 points from a possible 12 and a victory in the FA Cup.

York City player-boss Chris Brass has expressed an interest in signing Jon Shaw on a permanent basis. The Sheffield Wednesday loanee has yet to score in his one full and two sub appearances since he joined the Minstermen but has done enough to impress Brass.

Scunthorpe United manager Brian Laws has pulled Steve MacLean from a future Scotland squad that was due to play a friendly against Denmark. MacLean has been in outstanding form this season and Berti Vogts wanted to have a look at the on-loan Rangers striker but he will have to wait. MacLean will now be available for the league games against Bury and Hull City.

Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling has released striker Abebaye Akinfenwa after his one month contract with club expired.

Cambridge United have ended the loan spell of Gareth Williams. The Welsh striker, on-loan from Crystal Palace, managed just one goal in four starts during his time at United. United boss John Taylor admitted that Williams had impressed him whilst at the club but added that he didn't think he was the right man for his side.

Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been handed a major boost with the news that striker Kevin Gall has been given the all clear after an x-ray. It was feared that the Welsh Under-21 international had suffered a fractured foot during the 3-1 victory over Lincoln on the weekend but Gall is now hoping to be fit for the FA Cup tie with Barnet.

Southend United want to extend the loan deal of Lewis Hunt and have approached Derby County about securing the midfielder for a further month. The 21-year old has made four appearances during his spell at Roots Hall.

Swansea City centre-back Izzy Iriekpen has signed a new deal that will keep him at Vetch Field until June 2005. Swansea boss Bryan Flynn has decided not to appeal against the red card that was shown to striker Lee Trundle during the goalless draw with York City.

Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has made another signing as his continues to change his squad in a bid to save the Cumbrians from relegation. 32-year old midfielder Tom Cowan has left SPL side Dundee to sign an 18-month contract with the bottom side. On-loan midfielder Stephen Schumacher has returned to Everton after his loan spell with the Cumbrians ended and Simpson decided against renewing the deal in order to strengthen his side in other areas.

Kidderminster Harries director of football Jan Molby has announced the signing of Danish striker Jesper Christiansen. However, the 23-year old - who had spent a week on trial at the club earlier this month - will have to wait until January to join up with his new team mates.

Rochdale boss Alan Buckley has extended the loan deal of Gary Jones for a second month. Jones - on loan from Barnsley - will also be available for the FA Cup tie against Luton Town.

Craig Thompson is set to join Oxford United on trial after leaving Second Division side Peterborough United by mutual consent.