Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Tuesday 29 June 2004

29 June 2004

Russell Slade is set to make his third new signing since slipping into his Town manager's trousers, as right-sided midfielder and Yorkshire/Soviet dissident Ashley Sestanovich is probably about to add his footprints to that deeply trodden path between Bramall Lane and Blundell Park by signing on a season-long loan from Sheffield United. "We felt his chances might be limited at the Lane this season," explains Blades vice-chairman Terry Robinson. "After watching him during the season we can make a decision on his future with us." Twenty-two-year-old Sestanovich - a big lad, apparently - spent three months on loan with Slade's Scarborough side last season, scoring three times in 13 games, and the Diary for one is confident that this Ashley will be better than Fickling.

The arrival of Ash Sest, as the Diary is going to call him for at least the duration of this sentence, will provide cover on the flanks should Graham Hockless' agent decide against signing a new contract to stay at BP. On that front, says Russ on Town's official website, "Things are moving along and he is thinking things over." Sorry - did I say Graham Hockless' agent? I mean Graham Hockless. How silly of me.

Elsewhere in the bottom division, the new exponents of Ian Atkins' cultured passing football Bristol Rovers continue to hoover up every out-of-contract player within earshot of their manager's big Brummie gob. Northampton's Paul Trollope has thrown in his lot with the Gasheads, joining not just Captain Invisible but the talented Jamie Forrester, Mansfield's Craig Disley, Kidderminster's Craig Hinton and Blackpool defender Steve Elliott. Atkins is also thought to be weighing up moves for Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Deco, Raul and the winner of Strictly Come Dancing.

The Diary is yet to meet Russell Slade's missus but can only hope her arms are long and flexible, because Town's new manager is apparently paying much heed to his duties regarding the application of suncream. An email from Keith Collins explains that the club's current flurry of transfer activity is taking place despite "Boss Russ being on holiday in Spain until Friday" and Graham Rodger being similarly indisposed. Keith also has a word or two of petrol to pour onto the MIF/TIF debate, which Richard Dawson reignited yesterday. "Solve the problem by using instant tea," he suggests. "It's got the milk already added." Not for the Diary: that way lies the madness of Blundell Park tea and scalded tongues.

Is it possible to upset thousands of people by doing nothing? It is if you're Stuart Campbell, and now that he has gone, Diary readers seemingly feel at liberty to loosen their tongues as to the player's non-performances in a Town shirt last season. Andy Holt writes: "Surely we should not be surprised by yesterday's news that our transparent former midfielder signed for Bristol Rovers excited by the prospect of playing under both Ian Atkins and lofted balls from the cloggers Atkins typically employs in lieu of defenders. The route one game seems an ideal opportunity for Mr Campbell to stand around doing nothing, and in fact, rather than last season when more was expected of him, next season he'll be able to disappear into the background as part of his manager's game plan." A shrewd observation, Mr Holt. The rest of you can email diary@codalmighty.com with your tributes to the departed leader.