Stoke Home in on Handyside

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 03/07/2001

STOKE CITY have conceded today that their name was in the hat of the clutch of clubs seeking to sign Grimsby Town centre back Peter Handyside. A move to the Brittania Stadium, however, is far from a formality for the Mariners defender, who looks set to depart from Blundell Park this week.

"Peter Handyside is a player we have spoken to over the summer and I understand we are one of several clubs interested in him," the Potters football executive John Rudge confirmed today.

"I’ve personally seen a lot of him over the years. He’s played a lot of First Division football, so has plenty of experience at a high level and is the type of defender who is comfortable on the ball.

"But because of the competition we face and other factors, it would be wrong to assume a deal is anywhere near cut and dried."

Millwall are also tracking the Dumfries-born centre half along with Livingston and Ivano Bonetti's Dundee from the 27 year-old's native Scotland.

Lennie Lawrence earlier this week reiterated his advice to Peter Handyside was to sign the one year deal currently on the Blundell Park table, in order to increase the Scot's earning potential in twelve month's time following a "good season".

"Peter can have either have a two year deal, or if wants he can have a one year, which has been on offer to most of the other senior pros. If he puts in a good year then he could command the sort of salary Kevin [Donovan] has got at Barnsley. I think it's in his best interests to stay with us a year and I'll be telling him the same." said the Grimsby boss yesterday.

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