Oxford midfielder Mitchell Cole has been forced to retire at the age of 25 due to a heart condition. The former Stevenage man passed a medical when he joined the U's from Boro in the summer, but made just five appearances for the club before finding himself struggling in training. He was diagnosed with a low risk heart problem when a trainee with West Ham eight years ago, but has now been told to quit with the risk increased.
Bury keeper Cameron Belford has signed a new two year deal with the club. The 22 year old has taken over as no.1 from ex-Bull Wayne Brown. Crewe have loaned youngster Kelvin Mellor to Leek Town for a month. The utility man has made a handful of League appearances this season. The Railwaymen have also made the surprise decision of extending keeper Steve Phillips' contract into next season. The 32 year old expected to leave in the summer after failing to trigger an appearance clause for a new deal.
Accrington assistant boss Jimmy Bell has warned that the club's ongoing ownership wrangle is damaging their hopes of keeping their talented youngsters. Former chairman Eric Whalley still owns the majority stake in the club, holding up discussions on next season's budget.