Port Vale say Mark Sims will not be joining the club's board after setting conditions for the appointment that the board refused to meet. The club say they are in negotiations over new investment that will see former chairman Bill Bratt leave the club entirely, but fans are sceptical at the claim. Aldershot are trialling former Portsmouth trainee winger Paris Cowan-Hall. The 20 year old had a variety of loan spells in his Fratton Park days.
Swindon are chasing the signing QPR striker Leon Clarke. The 26 year old ended last season on loan at Preston but finances and the drop to League Two may be too much for the deal to happen. Bristol Rovers have sold midfielder Chris Lines to Sheff Weds for £50,000. The 25 year old has spent his entire career with the Pirates.
Plymouth's staff have agreed to defer August's wages in the hope that a deal can be struck to sell the club quickly. Preferred bidders Bishop International have one day left of their exclusivity, but have been silent since being asked to stump up funds to cover the wage bill. Crewe's hunt for a central defender has moved onto Kris Thackray. The former Newcastle trainee has been playing in the Italian lower leagues for the last four years.