Your thoughts please

Bristol City - Cardiff - Wycombe Wanderers - Bristol Rovers - Cheltenham Town - Hereford United - Oxford United - Swindon Town

One week from today Hull will take on Blackpool and get the 2011/12 Football League season up running. It's a great time of the year for fans as hopes are still high and promotion is a real possibility. Injuries, suspensions and managerial sackings haven't had a major effect and reality for most of us hasn't yet sunk in!

Keith Millen steadied the ship last term at Bristol City and the boys there looked on the up by the turn of the year.

Cardiff just missed out (again) on promotion to the Prem. Dave Jones gave it his best shot, but is this their season under a new manager?

Wycombe gained promotion to League One, but can Gary Waddock's side keep them up?

Bristol Rovers and Swindon dropped down a flight. Are they good enough to bounce straight back under their own new managers?

Chris Wilder consolidated Oxford's position back in the league, but do Us fans now expect more than just the highlight of a couple of derby games against Swindon?

Cheltenham and Hereford are two of the - dare I say - smaller sides in League Two, but while their fan bases might not be as large as the bigger clubs in the division, they are just as passionate. Can they upset those so-called big boys and do something special under their two young managers?

I'd like to hear from fans of the clubs above as to what their aspirations are for the new season. Are you staring at relegation from the outset? Would mid-table safety suit you before a ball has even been kicked? Or is promotion a very real possibility?

Next week I'll pen my own thoughts on these clubs ... for what they are worth.

Englishman to play for Australia in Wales ... and more

Bristol City's Aussie new boy Neil Kilkenny has been called up by his country to face Wales at Cardiff on August 10th.  The midfielder, 25, who joined the Championship club from Leeds in the summer has already appeared for the Socceroos on a number of occasions, but was actually born in Enfield before moving to Oz as four year old, but his family returned to England seven years later.

Midfielder Stuart Lewis, 23, has signed a two year extension on his contract at Wycombe. Lewis impressed boss Gary Waddock last season and was a key player in the club's promotion drive from League Two after signing an initial loan deal from Dagenham last November which became permanent in the January transfer window.

Good to see that former Bristol Rovers full back Danny Senda has been given a one year deal with Barnet. Senda showed good commitment to the cause despite being part of the Gas side that dropped into League Two at the end of last season.

Former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Luke Summerfield, 23, is being lined up for a move to Cheltenham by Whaddon Road chief Mark Yates following two pre-season friendly appearances for the club according to the Gloucestershire Echo.

Meanwhile Oxford have taken former Chelsea and Fulham youth prospect Joe Andersen, 21, on trial and the lad played in United's 1-0 win over Brackley Town last night in which Aaron Woodley scored the winner. Andersen is a midfielder, but can also play at full back.

Pitman's reminder

As Bristol City fans are left wondering whether Nicky Maynard will stay at Ashton Gate or make the move to Championship rivals Leicester City, co-striker Brett Pitman sent out a "Don't forget me" message with a brace in last night's 1-3 win over Forest Green Rovers.

Pitman, 23, joinedd City last season just before the August transfer deadline and ended the season as City's top scorer despite a slow start.

The former Bournemouth hit man was honest enough to tell me half way through the season that the step up from League Two had been hard work initially and that his fitness levels weren't up to those of the other members of the squad, but he praised Keith Millen for giving him the time to catch up and then rewarded him with 16 goals. With a full pre-season behind him, I wonder whether City fans might see an even better Pitman this term.

After holding West Ham to a goalless draw at the weekend, Wycombe's blushes were spared last night when Matt Bloomfield found the night as the Chairboys struggled to cope with gutsy minnows Wealdstone and drew 1-1.

Rovers forgotten man Jo Kuffour gave boss Paul Buckle something to think about last night when he scored as the Gas went down 2-1 to Reading at the Mem.

Jimmy Spencer, Kaid Mohamed and Josh Low all found the net at Whaddon Road as Cheltenham beat League Two new boys Walsall 3-2. While it was only a friendly, it will also serve as a wake up call to Saddlers players and fans alike that it isn't going to be easy getting back to the division above.

Albert Jarrett has joined Hereford on one week's trial and played in the Bulls 3-1 defeat against Telford last night. Jarrett, 26, left Lincoln City by mutual consent at the end of last season when the Imps dropped out of the league.

Oxford put in a very impressive pre-season shift against Championship outfit Birmingham with Ryan James and Alfie Potter scoring without reply.

It seems that Paolo di Canio may not have finished his spend spree at Swindon and the Swindon Advertiser are reporting that he has identified two more players to add to his squad. If the deals come off, that will be 14 new faces appearing at the County Ground next season. I wonder whether Danny Wilson might have been able to keep the Robins up - and his job - if he had been given the same sort of backing.

Region round up

As Bristol City warm up for a friendly against Blue Square outfit Forest Green Rovers tonight, they are having to cope with fresh speculation linking striker Nicky Maynard with Leicester City. The Daily Star are reporting that Foxes' chief Sven Goran Eriksson is set to make another offer of £4 million plus out of favour striker Martyn Waghorn. Waghorn, 21, only signed for Leicester last year, but has failed to impress.

It would be a shame if Maynard were to leave Ashton Gate, but to his credit he has knuckled down and refused to be drawn into the speculation preferring to leave the clubs, managers and agents to do the talking.

Wycombe boss Gary Waddock will be taking most of his first team to Wealdstone for a pre-season run out tonight.

Bagasan Graham, 18, has signed a one year deal with Cheltenham. Striker Graham was released by QPR in the summer, but has done enough during a trial period to become manager Mark Yates's ninth close season signing.

Hereford boss Jamie Pitman has signed French striker Yoann Arquin after a trial period and the 23 year old started repaying Pitman's faith by bagging a brace in last night's 3-2 Herefordshire Cup defeat to Westfields in which the Bulls fielded a combination of first teamers, reserves and youth players.

Oxford are reported to be close to offering a deal to 34 year old Wayne Brown to act as back up to highly thought of first choice keeper Ryan Clarke.

Swindon comfortably beat Cirencester Town in a friendly game last night with strikes from Matt Ritchie, a Danny Greaves own goal, and new boys Mehdi Kerrounce and Alan Connell. Boss Paolo di Canio finally wrapped up the signing of winger Etienne Esajas who suffered a shoulder injury in last night's game and will now miss the start of the season.

Friendly Round Up

Bristol City were beaten by west country rivals Yeovil in Somerset. Veteran keeper David James fumbled a shot from Paul Wotton and Diarra Tiemoko followed up to convert.  City had their chances, but failed to find the back of the net.

Wycombe took on Championship new boys and promotion favourites West Ham at Adams Park and earned themselves a credible scoreless draw.

Down the A40 Oxford managed a 1-0 win against MK Dons with Asa Hall finding the net while non league Newport County beat Cheltenham by the same scoreline.

Hereford held Chris Hughton's Birmingham at home in another scoreless clash.

Paolo d Canio's Swindon are gearing up for a fixture at Cirencester tonight while Bristol Rovers host Reading at the Mem tomorrow evening.

Round up

Wycombe skipper Gareth Ainsworth, 38, has told the Buckinghamshire Advertiser that he is prepared to accept manager Gary Waddock's decision to rest him at points this coming season.

Despite his age, winger Ainsworth was arguably the Chairboys most consistent player last term as they won promotion to League One, but after a gruelling pre-season, he feels that he will need to follow his head rather than his heart this term.

See more: http://www.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/south-buckinghamshire-sport/ba_wycombe_wanderers/2011/07/21/gaz-head-will-rule-heart-this-season-82398-29093860/

Meanwhile youngster Charlie Reece has been told he is surplus to requirements at Bristol Rovers and will be released by new manager Paul Buckle.

I saw Charlie play a few times last season and he looked like an exciting prospect. I suspect - and hope - that he will find another club very soon.

Paolo di Canio has made his 11th signing of the summer. Swindon boss di Canio has wrapped up a deal for Iris midfielder Alan McCormack, 27, who was released by Charlton on Wednesday.

The Swindon Advertiser has reported that Dutch trialist Etienne Esajas had not completed his move to the County Ground, but is still expected to sign for di Canio.

Murray's Mint As City Take An Early Bath

Bristol City's second string were beaten by neighbours Bath City last night after old boy Scott Murray scored the only goal at Twerton Park in the 59th minute.

City had put out a decent team and while boss Keith Millen won't be happy with the result, he'll be more concerned at injuries picked up by keeper Dean Gerken and full back Joe Edwards which forced both to leave the field.

The Gloucestershire Echo are reporting that Cheltenham boss Mark Yates is about to sign striker Darryl Duffy. Dufffy, 27, fell out of favour at Bristol Rovers last season after three years with the club and was loaned out to Hibs back in his native Scotland.

Meanwhile Rovers have signed 20 year old full back Michael Boateng from Ryman League with Carshalton Athletic. Boateng was released by Crystal Palace when he was 16 years old, but spotted by Rovers former Director of Football Lennie Lawrence who tipped off manager Paul Buckle.

Hereford's Spanish tour is being followed by Bulls News and photos and news can be found here: http://bullsnews.blogspot.com

Former Sheffield Wednesday Dutch winger Etienne Esajas, 26, has been given a deal by Swindon Town boss Paolo di Canio following his impressive displays while on trial with the club during their recent Italian tour.

Maynard shows his worth

Bristol City beat Cheltenham in a local friendly tussle at Whaddon Road last night with hot shot striker Nicky Maynard finding the net first.

City are desperately trying to fend off interest in Maynard and have already turned down a reported £4.75 million bid from Championship side Leicester City this summer.

Midfielder Marvin Elliott claimed City's second goal while Cheltenham striker Jeff Goulding pulled one back from the spot in the second half.

Probably a decent result for both sides as they try to get into their stride with the new season approaching.

Gary Waddock's Wycombe managed a credible goalless draw at home against Championship side Crystal Palace - another good result for the Buckinghamshire outfit who were promoted to League One last season.

Paul Buckle had plenty to smile about as well after his re-built Rovers team beat Burnley 2-0 with goals from new boy Matt Harrold and youngster Eliot Richards.

Spanish outfit Molina Segura were soundly beaten by Hereford in their first tour game. Stuart Fleetwood, trialist Danny Williams and Joe Colbeck notching the goals without reply.

Oxford had a day off in their unbeaten US tour, but local rivals Swindon were on form against minnows Swindon Supermarine and won 4-0 with goals from new acquisitions Jonathan Smith, Raffaele De Vita, trialist Etienne Esajas and Callum Kennedy.

Robins - Feathers to Fly?

Two of the local sides - Cheltenham and Bristol City - will take each other on in a pre-season friendly this evening at Whaddon Road. It will be interesting to see how the new boys in each team have bedded in as next season's kick-off edges ever closer.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Chris Lines, 25, is no closer to resolving his plans for the coming season. Lines has spent some time training with Crystal Palace, but has now returned to the Mem and is expected to have a run out against Burnley this evening.

Oxford have continued their unbeaten run during their US tour and eased past Seacoast United 3-1 with two goals from Deane Smalley and a strike from new boy Jon-Paul Pittman.

Swindon Town will travel the short distance to take on neighbours Swindon Supermarine tonight.

Friendly Round Up

Not a great weekend for the clubs on my patch, but it is worth noting that these are all friendly fixtures and merely give the respective managers an opportunity to take a look at the full squad and try out tactics before the real business begins.

Championship outfit Bristol City were humbled by League Two side Torquay who put two goals past them at Plainmoor without reply, but according to local press reports, City's main strikers were all resting or injured.

League One new boys Wycombe were beaten by the mighty Braintree 2-1 with 'young' prospect and skipper Gareth Ainsworth getting on the scoresheet.

Down in League Two, Cheltenham were held 1-1 at Telford despite a 40 yarder by striker Jeff Goulding, but according to the Gloucester Citizen newspaper it was trialist Bagasan Graham, 18, who caught the eye. And the former QPR trainee has apparently done the business in all of the pre-season fixtures so far.

Bristol Rovers managed a 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Friday with strikers Kayne McLaggon  and Scott McGleish both finding the net for the Gas.

Oxford are in the USA on tour at the moment and chalked up an impressive 2-0 win over Mass United in New Hampshire courtesy of goals from Alfie Potter and Deane Smalley.

Meanwhile Swindon have signed striker Alan Connell from Grimsby and left back Alessandro Cibocchi, 28, who has played in Serie B in Italy. He becomes Paolo di Canio's ninth signing of the summer and the fourth from Italy. Connell scored 29 times for Grimsby in the Blue Square Premier League last season, but has football league pedigree and has turned out for Ipswich, Bournemouth and Hereford among others and started out in the Spurs youth set up.

There are also rumours coming out of darkest, deepest Wiltshire today that di Canio is about to give a trial to 25 year old Algerian striker Mehdi Kerrouche who has been plying his trade in the United Arab Emirates second tier.

Hereford flew out to Spain for a training camp and so have seen little action outside of the duty free shop in recent days!

Holiday

Apologies to everyone, but I'm away on holiday for a few days (back on Monday) and so posts to the blog will be sporadic at best for the next four days Greek-God like body is tanned by the sun in south Cornwall.

Round up

Cian Bolger is to return to Rovers on a 6 month loan deal. Bolger, 19, impressed during a spell at the Memorial Ground last season and it looks as though Leicester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is prepared to allow him to return to gain more first team experience.

Hereford have signed midfielder Harry Pell, 19, on a two year deal. Pell spent time with the Bulls on loan last seen impressing boss Jamie Pitman in the process.

Swindon have signed midfielders Ghanaian Ibrahim Atiku , 28, and Namibian Oliver Risser, 30. Both players  have been given two year deals by Swindon chief Paolo di Canio while the Italian is also being linked with a move for Dover striker Adam Birchall, 26.



Pre-season results:

Cirencester Town 1 Cheltenham 1
Staines 0 Wycombe 5
Didcot 0 Oxford United 6
Norcia (Italy) 0 Swindon Town 11

Good business?

According to local press sources (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/story-12905188-detail/story.html), Bristol City have turned down a bid of £4.75 million for 24 year old striker Nicky Maynard from Sven Goran Eriksson's Leicester City.

Many football fans grumble when they see players jump ship and leave for other clubs, but I wonder what the general feeling is among the Ashton Gate faithful at the moment? This is a lot of money and - as good as I think Nicky is - it could be used to strengthen the squad quite considerably for a push on the Premier League.

Oxford are taking a look at former Bristol Rovers number two Mike Green. Green, 21, made only four first team appearances for the club he supported as a lad and where he has spent the last five years. One of those games was the League Cup defeat at the Kassam when Oxford ran riot and put six goals past him. To be fair to the lad, the defending that night was woeful and I remember Rovers boss Paul Trollope telling me how several players had gone up to Green in the dressing room and apologised after the game.

Former Brighton striker Nathan Elder, 26, will be given a run out in Cheltenham's pre-season fixture at Cirencester as he looks to get his career back on track after a serious cruciate ligament injury and impress Robins's boss Mark Yates.

Rovers kick off

Joe Anyinsah has joined Bristol Rovers to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season.

Striker-cum-winger Anyinsah, 26, started his career at Bristol City, but has returned to his home city after spells at Carlisle, Charlton and Preston as well as several loan deals.

Rovers got their pre-season under way last night with a 5-1 win at Mangotsfield United and gave an outing to trialist Cian Hughton - son of Birmingham boss Chris. Hughton junior was released by Lincoln at the end of last season which I find surprising as I saw him play several times and thought he looked very handy. Cost cuttng by the Imps maybe?

A deflected strike by Lee Brown and goals from new boy Scott McGleish, Eliot Richards and a Ben Swallow brace saw off Mangotsfield.

Bermudian international Reggie Lambe also took part in the game. Lambe, 20, spent two months at the Memorial Ground at the end of last term and showed he had some talent despite ending up in a relegated side.

Striker Nathan Elder, 26, is currently training with Cheltenham Town while on trial after terminating his contract with Shrewsbury "by mutual consent".

Meanwhile Matt Paterson, 20, has linked up with Oxford in the hope of earning a contract. The striker played for Southend last season, but hasn't been given a squad number for the coming campaign and will fly out to the USA for the U's pre-season tour.

And Paolo di Canio is about to make his sixth signing according to BBC Wiltshire. Striker Hugo Bargas, 24, is reported to be joining the Italian's County Ground revolution. Bargas was born in Lyon, France, but has spent most of his life in Argentina. However, it the reports are correct, he will be switching to Swindon from Dutch club De Graafschap.

Sven eyes up Nicky

Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is renewing his interest in striker Nicky Maynard according to the local Bristol press. Leicester manager Eriksson had a reported £2m offer turned down for the prolific hit man who has one year left on his current deal at Ashton Gate, but may return with an improved bid.

Wycombe have decided not to field a reserve side this season as they concentrate on establishing themselves as a League One side following promotion last season.

Bristol Rovels striker Jo Kuffour has turned down a move to west country neighbours Yeovil, but may find himself sidelined at the Memorial Ground this season as new boss Paul Buckle has been busy reshaping the squad.

Cheltenham have signed defender Sido Jombati from Bath City. Portuguese full back Jombati, 23, started his career at Sporting Clube de Portugal in Lisbon where he spent seven years before making the move to England to follow his footballing dreams.

Bennett joins the Robins and more

Former Republic of Ireland defender Alan Bennett has joined Cheltenham Town on a one-year deal, with the option of a second year.

Bennett, 29, has turned out for Wycombe and Brentford during his career and won promotion from League Two with both sides. He will bring a good deal of experience to Mark Yate's team.

Meanwhile former Bristol City midfielder Frankie Artus, 22, has left Whaddon Road to join Grimsby.

As expected, former Wycombe winger Chris Zebroski has followed former Torquay boss out of Plainmoor and joined up with him at Bristol Rovers. Zebroski, 24, scored, 15 goals for the Gulls last term as they just missed out on promotion to League One via the play-offs.

Former West Brom midfielder Richard Sneekes, 42, has agreed to join Hereford as Jamie Pitman's number two.

Estonian international Taijo Teniste is being given a trial by Swindon Town and will be hoping it lasts a little longer than Leon Knight's experience. Misfit Knight has already been dumped by manager Paolo di Canio less than one week after his invitation to show what he can, or rather can't, do.

Robin about to fly the nest?

Following keeper David James's decision to pen a one year extension on his contract, it looks as tough Bristol City's number two Stephen Henderson has decided his future lies elsewhere and the local press are linking the 23 year old with a move to Pompey.

Meanwhile skipper Louis Carey, 34, has signed a new one year deal to keep him atb Ashton Gate, but Jordan Spence who impressed for City on loan last term has signed a long term deal with parent club and Championship new noys West Ham.

Dutch central defender Stefan Stam has joined Hereford on a two year deal following a ten game loan spell last season. The 31 year old was released by Yeovil at the end of the last campaign.

Round up

It looks as though Wycombe boss Gary Waddock has just about finished in the transfer market for the summer after rebuilding for life back in League One.


John Halls and Ben Harding followed their former boss from Aldershot while strikerJoel Grant was also signed by the Chairboys boss..

Local boy Eliot Benyon was signed from Swindon as Waddock looked to add some fire power up front and Swansea midfielder Scott Donnelly joined on year-long loan deals before Brighton central defender James Tunnicliffe joined last week.

But the Buckinghamshire Advertiser are reporting Waddock as saying:

"If we need to bring some new faces in then we will do that but we are very close to our final squad. Anyone who comes in now would certainly have to be very special."

Read the full report at: http://www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk

Former Cheltenham full back and fans favourite Jerry Gill has been appointed as Kidderminster Harrier’s new Academy Director.

All the action at the County Ground is taking place between the sticks at the moment.

Goalkeeping coach George Wood has left Swindon and been replaced by Domenico Doardo, 36, a former Italy Under-21 international.

And 20 year old keeper Mattia Lanzano is due to join within 24 hours according to BBC Radio Wiltshire. Lanzano played for Italian side US Gavorrana 1930 last season. US Gavorrana play in Lega Pro Seconda Divisione – the Italian equivilanet of League Two.

Last term’s first chouice stopper David Lucas, 33, has been given permission to talk to other clubs leaving Phil Smith to do battle with Lanzano for the number one jersey.

Bristol Rovers have signed 37 year old striker Scott McGleish who netted 18 times for Orient in League One last season and – while he may not be able to out sprint the youth team players anymore – is a good solid pro who instinctively knows where the net is.

Rovers boss Paul Buckle is also being linked with winger Chris Zebroski, 24, who he mentored at Torquay and mi9dfielder Stuart Campbell – who nearly steered the Gas to Leafue One safety last season as a caretaker manager – is being tipped for a player-coaching role at the club he has served for nearly eight years.

Dominic Blizzard, 27, has had his contract terminated by mutual consent while fellow Midfielder Harry Pell, 19, has also played his last game for the club.

Apologies

Unfortunately the site was 'down' yesterday and so I apologise for the lack of a regular post.