Division Three News

Last updated : 29 January 2004 By Matt Carrington

Carlisle United player-manager Paul Simpson is hoping to sign Paul Arnison from Second Division Hartlepool on a permanent basis. The 26-year-old has been impressive in the Cumbrians recent revival in the league but his three-month loan deal at the club expires at the end of the month.

Huddersfield Town boss Peter Jackson is set to be handed a boost by the return of strikers Andy Booth and Jonathan Stead in time for the game against Bristol Rovers this weekend.

Swansea City striker Lee Trundle will be out for up to three weeks after suffering a depressed fracture of the cheekbone during his sides FA Cup fourth round victory over Preston North End. Meanwhile, Swans boss Brian Flynn has signed West Ham utility player Shaun Byrne on a month-long loan deal.

Bury boss Graham Barrow is hoping to complete a deal for David Flitcroft next week after the midfielder was released by Macclesfield Town. Meanwhile, the club have parted company with Steve Gunby after his request to be released from his contract was accepted by the club.

Cheltenham Town boss John Ward could be without the services of veteran striker Bob Taylor for a month following a rib injury suffered in the 2-0 defeat against Hull City last weekend.

Bristol Rovers caretaker manager Phil Bater has admitted his interest in taking charge of the club on a permanent basis.

Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has been given permission to return to his job after making good progress in his recovery from brain surgery. Alexander's assistant Gary Simpson has been in charge since mid-November and has guided the team into a play-off spot.

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin wants to bring Walsall striker Any Bishop back to the club following the end of his two-month loan spell at the club but on-loan Stockport County defender Martin Pemberton looks to have played his last game for the club after a back injury forced the 27-year-old to return the Second Division outfit.

Darlington boss David Hodgson has denied reports that striker Barry Conlon is leaving the club. The 25-year-old - who is the top scorer at the club this season with 6 goals - has been linked with a number of higher division clubs including rivals Hartlepool United.

Yeovil Town boss Gary Johnson will be without the services of Lee Elam for the game against Macclesfield Town this weekend after the winger suffered an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Town keeper Gary Weale will continue to train with first Division West Ham for two days a week in a bid to earn a contract with the club.

Boston United boss Neil Thompson has stated that striker Peter Duffield will not be leaving the club to join Darlington. Thompson admitted that Quakers boss David Hodgson made an enquiry about the striker following an appearance in a fundraising match for the north-east side but did not want to let the 34-year-old leave.

Scunthorpe United boss Brian Laws will soon be able to call upon the services of on-loan Steve MacLean as the striker is only a fortnight away from returning to first team action. The return of MacLean will be huge boost to Iron boss Brian Laws as he looks to end a run of five successive league games without a goal along with recording a first league win since mid-November.

Torquay United have announced plans that will save the club between £80,000 and £100,000 a year. The club will be closing their Centres of Excellence at the end of the current season which will be followed by the end of the Youth Trainee Scheme at the club.