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Who will he Buy? Part One

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 24/05/2003

IN the first of a special series we take a look at who has been thrown on the footballing scrapheap for anyone to sign this summer. With Paul Groves looking to rebuild his squad this summer, we ask "who will he buy?". We hope to provide some answers!

Chris Wilmott
Chris Wilmott The Facts

Recently released by Wimbledon after four years at the club. Signed for the Dons for £300,000 from Luton in 1999 and made 55 appearances for them. He made 13 starts back at Luton again this season under Joe Kinnear, the man who signed him for Wimbledon. A 25 year old who can play in central defence or at right back.

Is a move likely?

Groves could be in the market for a central defender with the likely exit of George Santos. However, Wilmott could be reluctant to move north though, having played all his football in London, but equally, a move away could be what he needs and wants.

Likeliness Rating: 4

Danny Hudson
Danny Hudson The Facts

A product of Rotherham’s youth system, who scored 8 goals in 43 games for the Millers in his six years with the club. Was on loan at Doncaster this season where he played 11 games, scoring one goal. Quite an attacking midfielder, who can play on the right wing, but prefers to be a central midfield player.

Is a move likely?

Hudson may want a move to Town, with it being fairly local in connection with Rotherham, but midfield is a place where the Mariners are pretty well off for at the moment, which makes a move unlikely.

Likeliness Rating: 2

Peter Handyside
Peter Handyside The Facts

Town know all about Handyside, who spent a large proportion of his career at Blundell Park before leaving in 2001 for Stoke, who have recently released him.

Is a move likely?

Groves would undoubtedly be interested in a player like Handyside, and knows all about him. However, it is unclear whether Handyside wants to move back to this area, let alone back to Grimsby, especially on less than what he would be on at Stoke, but rumours have been that he could be set for a return.

Likeliness Rating: 5

Luke Nightingale
Luke Nightingale The Facts

Fast and agile young striker at 22, who burst onto the scene as a 17 year old when he scored 2 goals against WBA in 1998. Has since suffered various injury problems and failed to make a single appearance for the Division one champions last season. He was highly thought of at the Fratton Park club but was released after not being thought capable of playing in the Premiership.

Is a move likely?

Seems to be the kind of player Town would like to take on and develop as they have done with many young players and forwards are a position Groves may like to strengthen, especially if Livvo leaves. However, whether Nightingale would leave from down south up to Grimsby, is debatable.

Likeliness Rating: 3

Tony Rougier
Tony Rougier The Facts

Trinidad and Tobago international who was given a free transfer by Reading this week. Was on loan at Brighton at the end of this season where he played quite well, bagging a few goals in the process. Quick and lively, he was a fans favourite with the Reading fans, but fell out of favour with Royals boss Alan Pardew with the excellent form of Nicky Forster.

Is a move likely?

Not particularly. May want to stay in division one and it is rumoured Ipswich are interested in his services. However, should there be no substance to their interest and Rougier struggling to find a club, he may be prepared to move down a division. But would certainly be an excellent acquisition for Town.

Likeliness Rating: 3


Ratings

5 Distinct possibility of signing
4 Depends on wages and willingness to move
3 Might need lots of persuasion to sign any contract
2 May be willing to move, but will Town be interested?
1 Long shot




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