Division Three News

Last updated : 20 November 2003 By Matt Carrington
Stan Collymore could make a sensational return to football at Southend United in a player-manager role. The Shrimpers have admitted that talks have taken place with Collymore - who ended his career in Spain with Real Oviedo two years ago - but stressed that no decision has been made on the vacant managerial position at the club and have delayed making any announcement until after their FA Cup reply with Canvey Island.

Rochdale boss Alan Buckley has agreed to let French Striker Mickael Antoine-Courier leave the club. The 21-year old had become frustrated with his lack of first team football and made 10 appearances for the club scoring just once.

Torquay United have signed former Arsenal trainee left back Narada Bernard. The 21-year old had been on trial at Plainmoor and impressed Leroy Rosenior enough to secure a contract.

Dean Hammond, on loan from Brighton, has had his deal extended by Leyton Orient but the O's boss Martin Ling has sent Scott Cooper back to Premiership side Portsmouth.

Mansfield Town manager Keith Curle has been handed a major boost with Iyseden Christie returning to full training. The striker had missed four matches through illness but is now ready to make his return. Meanwhile,the Stags have received an improved offer of £150,000 from Rotherham for 21-year old midfielder Liam Lawrence.

Huddersfield Town captain Rob Edwards is set to return to the Terriers first team for the game against Cheltenham Town. Edwards had missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but has now recovered.

Scunthorpe United midfielder Alex Calvo-Garcia faces a four month spell on the sidelines after being hit with the news that he needs surgery on his ankle injury. The Spaniard sustained the injury during the LDV Trophy match against Shrewsbury Town last month.

Walsall boss Colin Lee has announced his wishes for defender Matt Carbon to extend his loan spell at Lincoln City. The 28-year old - who has played only 45 minutes for the Imps since joining last month - is set to leave after his current loan deal following the clash with Bristol rovers on Saturday.

Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson has transfer listed nine players in a bid to drag the Third Division strugglers off the bottom. Des Bryne, Michael Jack, Steve Livingstone, David Lynn, Craig Farrell, Darren Kelly, Mark Summerbell, John Slaven and Brian Wake have all been made available for transfer.

Bristol Rovers could be forced into releasing two players from its squad due to financial reasons.

Northampton Town boss Colin Calderwood has agreed a deal with Steve McMahon to extend Richard Walker's spell on loan at the club. Walker will now stay with the Cobblers until the end of January.

Jan Molby is looking to add Danish trialist Jesper Christiansen to his Kidderminster squad as he looks to avoid relegation this season. The 23-year old striker had impressed Molby when he trained with the club last week but has returned to OB Odense until a deal can be struck.

Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam has revealed that he is close to agreeing the sale of the club. Kassam announced that he was willing to sell the club earlier on in the season and is believed to be in talks with two different parties.

Rochdale striker Lee McEvilly has been handed a three match ban after the FA found the striker guilty of misconduct. McEvilly was also handed a £300 fine for an incident which occurred during the league match with Lincoln City in September.

Doncaster Rovers boss Dave Penny has rejected rumours that midfielder Michael McIndoe is set for a move to Division One title chasers Sheffield United. The former yeovil player has been a key player in Rovers' good start to the season chipping in with six goals so far.

York City player-manager Chris Brass has signalled his intention to try and keep Richard Hope at the club permanently after his loan spell from Northampton finishes in December.