Football League chairman Brian Malwhinney has told clubs to tighten their belts: 'I think this is going to be a difficult year, economically, for a lot of clubs - not because they are run badly, but because the national economy is not in good shape... ...My advice to our own clubs is that you should review your budgets, make sure they are as tight as possible and make sure you administer them as tightly as possible.'
Cheltenham have signed Charlton midfielder Dean Sinclair on a months loan, but ex-Bull Stuart Fleetwood has not made the move. Sinclair, the former Barnet man who cost the Addicks £120,000 last year, had a spell at Whaddon Road last season. Former Bulls trialist Richard Langley is on trial with Southend and will play for their reserves today. Also in the Blues reserve side are transfer listed strikers Richie Foran and Matt Harrold.
Millwall have loaned goalkeeper Lenny Pidgley to Woking. The former Chelsea trainee has slipped to third choice at the New Den. Scunthorpe have signed Birmingham defender Krystian Pearce on loan. The 19 year old helped Notts County keep a clean sheet at Edgar Street on New Years Day.
Ex-Bull Jimmy Quinn was one of a number of recognisable faces at Chester's Deva Stadium at the weekend. The Liverpool Daily Post, know as chairman Stephen Vaughan's mouthpiece, claimed that a Director of Football was soon to be appointed to assist rookie manager Simon Davies. His record has only one win in 15 games since the March appointment.
Crewe have confirmed the signing of Clayton Donaldson for a six figure fee, believed to be £200,000. He has signed a three year deal. Huddersfield have added former Stockport man Liam Dickinson on loan from Derby. The £750,000 signing joins for a month after failing to make an appearance for the Rams since his summer arrival.