Division Three News

Last updated : 21 January 2004 By Matt Carrington

Ex-Cheltenham Town boss Steve Cotterill is being linked with the managerial position at Bristol Rovers after Ray Graydon parted company with the club. Graydon failed to show up for Rovers' match against Rochdale last weekend and for training on the following Monday. First-team coach Phil Bater has been appointed as caretaker manager after taking charge of the side for the Rochdale match.

Mansfield Town boss Keith Curle has denied reports that midfielder Liam Lawrence is set for a move to First Division Rotherham after Ronnie Moore made a fresh bid for the player. Curle left Lawrence out of the 3-1 defeat against Leyton Orient at the weekend which has fuelled speculation that the 22-year-old was set to leave.

York City midfielder Lee Bullock has admitted that he is feeling an extra amount of pressure whilst playing knowing that Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence is interested in bringing the midfielder to the First Division outfit.

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Chris Weale is to spend two days training with First Division West Ham after a number of impressive displays this season.

Doncaster Rovers assistant manager Micky Walker has admitted that winning the Third Division title is the aim for the season at the club. The club have also been hit with the news that Francis Tierney will be out for four to six weeks following knee surgery.

Boston United manager Neil Thompson is hoping to sign Hartlepool United striker Adam Boyd following a two-month loan spell at Edgar Street. The 21-year-old scored three times in 10 appearances during his time with the Pilgrims and Thompson has announced that he wants to bring Boyd back to the club on a loan or permanent basis.

Rochdale have let striker Lee McEvilly join Accrington Stanley on loan. The 20-year-old will spend one month with the Conference outfit with a view to a permanent deal.

Oxford United midfielder Derek Townsley has had his three-year contract with the club cancelled and has returned to Scottish Third Division side Gretna.

Lincoln City midfielder Paul Smith is to meet a surgeon next week to discuss the progress he has made since an operation on his back.

Scunthorpe United boss Brian Laws has been boosted by the news that winger Peter Beagrie could be fit for the FA Cup tie against Portsmouth on the weekend but defender Andy Butler is still a big doubt.

Kidderminster Harriers have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Lee Jenkins will miss up to six weeks after it was announced that he requires a knee operation. The 24-year-old has only made two appearances for the club since a move from Swansea City in December due to injuries.

Macclesfield Town boss John Askey has handed trials to Aston Villa defender Jonathan Bewers and Notts County midfielder Michael Brough.

Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling is taking a look at three players on trial at Brisbane Road. Canadian international defender Justin Thompson has featured in a reserve match for the O's while 17-year-old Adam Hay had come from First Division Crystal Palace and Portuguese player Jose Andrade has returned to the club for a second trial.

Cambridge United defender Mark Venus has been placed on the transfer-list following a dressing room bust-up after the defeat against Huddersfield Town.

Swansea City boss Brian Flynn is set to make more enquiries about the availability of Bristol Rovers defender Christian Edwards following the departure of Ray Graydon. Flynn has also handed a trial to Finish defender Janne Rasanen and the 25-year-old has already featured in a reserve team game for the Swans.

Torquay United striker Tony Bedeau has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for allegedly making gestures to Carlisle United fans.