Port Vale chairman Peter Miller says a Police investigation is underway after information from a 'stolen document' led to the local press to claim that neither he nor CEO Perry Deakin had purchased the £350,000 of shares that they had claimed. Miller says the payment has been made by both directors, and that the money was required by the club 'to avoid Administration'. Meanwhile, prominent fansite One Vale Fan has had 93% of over 500 respondents say they have no support for the current board.
Bradford say their JPT match win over Sheff Utd at Bramall Lane last month earned them just £691, which was their share of the 5,692 gate, and that they do not expect to break even for their next game against Oldham. Swindon keeper Mattia Lanzano remains with the club after backing out of a deal to cancel his two year contract. The Italian wants to return to his home country and says he will leave without settlement once he secures a new deal.
It's not just the Bulls with cheap players on their books. Blackpool midfielder Bojan Djordjic, a former Man Utd and Rangers player, is reported to be on just £90 a week - the minimum for a pro footballer - after signing a deal in the summer that relied heavily on appearances. The Swede is yet to play after recovering from injury. Southend's game with Gillingham in February will be televised live by Sky.
Conf North side Harrogate Town say they will turn full time from next season. A club statement says their playing budget will not increase, relying on young players on lower wages while keeping a handful of more experienced players on part-time terms. Barnet striker Lloyd Owusu has returned to the club after Hayes and Yeading opted not to extend his loan. He failed to score in four matches, with the side gaining only one point.
Darlington are reported to have not paid four players who have so far refused to take a pay cut. One of the four is ex-Bull Kris Taylor, with six others yet to agree cuts getting only a fraction of their money. One of the four, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, told the Northern Echo: “We don’t know the ins and outs, it may be an error. It’s not for me to make accusations or guess what’s going on."
Wrexham have appointed Barry Horne as a director on their new board. The former Welsh international, who started his career at the club, is now a science teacher as well as football pundit.