Grimsby have signed Walsall striker Martin Butler on a three month loan with a view to a permanent deal. The 33 year old, who rejected Peterboro in August, scored 12 times for the Saddlers in the promotion push last season. Lincoln expected to name a new manager within two weeks.
Red tape is delaying the takeover at Mansfield, according to chairman James Derry. Football League rules over forming new companies to take over clubs have tightened over the last few years, meaning that more stringent checks are needed before the League sanctions the deal. The club have been allowed to increase capacity at Field Mill by 380, taking it over 5,000, after fixing a turnstile problem. Brentford have extended the loan deal of Chelsea man Adrian Pettigrew, but allowed both Grant Basey and Ben Hamer to return to their respective clubs.
Devon newspaper Western Morning News has claimed that Torquay have tried 'tapping-up' three Exeter players for January moves. The allegations are denied by the club, who claim that they have a smaller budget than their local rivals and cannot afford the trio even if they were interested. Northwich are expected to go into administration whether the takeover takes place or not. Early negotiations with the taxman have proved pointless, meaning that the only way to negotiate the debt is to force the club into adminstration.
Yeovil have rejected a move by Millwall to speak to Russell Slade about becoming their new manager. Proposed investment in Chester has been delayed as the Spain based company are becoming difficult to communicate with.