The72 Daily Digest – 03/12/13

The managerial merry go round continues in the Football League.  In case you missed any of it, here’s a round up of todays movements, and anything else you might have missed. For a more in depth view of the managerial movements of the past week, please check out Nathan Staples excellent round up.

Ex-Aston Villa boss John Gregory has officially been appointed as boss at Crawley Town.  This is on the back of Steve Coppell stepping down as Director of Football.  Gregory replaces the outgoing Richie Barker, who was sacked last week.  Crawley are in the midst of an 8 game winless run, and hope the appointment will turn around their fortunes.

In an ironic appointment, ex-Burnley and Portsmouth gaffer Steve Cotterill has been installed at Bristol City.  The Robins, second bottom in league one brought him in to replace Sean O’Driscoll.  Last season, O’Driscoll replaced Cotterill at Nottingham Forest in a reversal of the situation.

Following speculation that Sheffield Wednesday were interested in appointing Steve Evans as their manager, the Millers were quick to release statements saying that their boss was going nowhere.  Chairman Tony Stewart and Steve Evans himself released separate statements saying the Evans was going nowhere and remained committed to the project he started 18 months ago at the New York stadium.  However, that didn’t stop bookmakers slashing odds of Evans taking over at Hillsborough.

Portsmouth have been given permission to speak to Oxford United boss Chris Wilder about the Fratton Park hotseat.  Oxford are top of League Two and unbeaten in 10 games, whereas Pompey are languishing in 17th place.  Oxford chairman Ian Lenagan is unhappy about the timing of the approach though, coming just before a match with Fleetwood Town, and will be picking this up with Portsmouth.

yossiG1810_468x555

In transfer news, Harry Redknapp’s QPR are set to seal the signing of free agent Yossi Benayoun on an 18 month deal following his release by Chelsea in the Summer.  The Israeli captain, 33, had offers on the table from Malaga and Reims but chose to take the option of the Championship club.

Sheffield Wednesday have signed Glenn Loovens on a short-term deal.  The 30-year-old ex Celtic and Cardiff centre back was a free agent.

Jermaine Grandison has re-joined Shrewsbury Town, six months after turning down an offer from the Shrews.  Grandison  has been out of contract at Shrewsbury following hip surgery, and despite the offer, he turned down the deal but recovered with the club.  Grandison made his comeback in a reserve game midweek.

Paul Hayes has left Brentford by mutual agreement.  The 30 year old ex-Charlton striker had 2 years on his contract at Griffin park but has found opportunities limited , making 1 appearance this season.

In takeover news, Swindown Town have a new owner.  Ex-Norwich city striker, Lee Power has taken over the club in a deal that has seen Chairman Jed McCrory leave the club. McCrory led a consortium that purchased a 99% stake in the club in February before Lee Power came in as a director and part owner in April.  Power, and his company Swinton 20 Reds have now assumed control of the club.

Power is no stranger to club takeovers, being part of a consortium that saved Luton in 20o3.  He has also been Chairman at Cambridge as well as joining the board at Rushden & Diamonds.

Jed McRory has reportedly reluctantly given up his post at Swindon.  It makes you wonder what has gone on behind the scenes, as Power was a friend of McCrory’s, brought to the club to help lift a transfer embargo by investing £1.2 million.

Previous Article

Update: the Football League managers merry-go-round

Next Article

Jordan Rhodes: Should Blackburn Rovers cash in?

Related Posts