Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd is probably going to restore his 1st team regulars to the starting line up for the home match against Sheffield United.
Boothroyd made 10 changes for the midweek Carling Cup tie against Gillingham, and the gamble paid off as the Hornets' fringe players prevailed 3-0 against their League One opponents.
Goalkeeper Mart Poom, defenders Jay DeMerit and Dan Shittu, midfield quartet Jobi McAnuff, Gavin Mahon, Lee Williamson and Tommy Smith should all make their returns along with frontman Marlon King.
Winger Anthony McNamee is, however, pushing hard for a starting place after an excellent display against Gills, however defender Matt Jackson is unlikely to face Bryan Robson's men after suffering concussion early in the 1st round clash.
The Hornets will be keen to maintain their 100% start to the campaign against a side tipped as one of their main rivals for promotion.
Sheffield United captain Gary Naysmith is definitely out of the trip due to a knee ligament injury.
The former Everton defender was forced off against Chesterfield in the midweek Carling Cup win, however even though the damage is not as bad as 1st feared, he will miss out at Vicarage Road.
Blades manager Bryan Robson will also be without recent signing Lee Hendrie, who is having surgery to repair cartilage damage.
But central defender Chris Morgan is available after missing the season's 1st 2 games due to a calf strain.
Robson must decide which of his 7 forwards to deploy at Vicarage Road, with Danny Webber and Jonathan Stead, both on the scoresheet in midweek, hoping to get the vote ahead of Billy Sharp and James Beattie.
Australian winger David Carney will also be hoping he impressed enough against Chesterfield, as will Alan Quinn, Chris Armstrong and Leigh Bromby.
16 August 2007
Chesterfield forward Paul Shaw was allowed to leave the club due to a lack of 1st team opportunities.
The 33 year old joined the Spireites from local rivals Rotherham in June 2006 and went on to make 34 appearances for the club.
"Paul is an experienced player however there are currently limited opportunities for him so it seemed best all round for us to reached a settlement on his contract," mentioned Spireites manager Lee Richardson.
"We thank Paul for his endeavours at Chesterfield and wish him well for the future."
Shaw added, "I fully understand the situation and, even though I am disappointed I did not fulfil would like I would like to achieve at Chesterfield, I wish the club well and am now looking forward to progressing my career elsewhere."
Meanwhile, the Spireites sign versatile Sheffield United youngster Nicky Travis on loan until December 31.
The 20 year old, who is comfortable playing in any position across midfield, arrives at Saltergate following injuries to Gareth Davis (broken toe) and Jamie Ward (hamstring).
Richardson said, "We were keeping an eye on Nicky and the chance for him to join us is quite timely in view of our current situation as he can be used in a number of positions."
Travis goes straight into the Spireites team for the visit of Stockport this weekend.
28 July 2007
Scunthorpe United manager Nigel Adkins has given a trial to young Cameroon midfielder Alex Mowfor.
The 19 year old has impressed Adkins sufficiently for him to be included in Saturday's friendly with Chesterfield.
Mowfor was capped by his country at U21 level and has experience in France having come through the ranks with Nantes.
"We were impressed enough with what we saw to include him in the team for Saturday's game," he informed the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
04 July 2007
Leicester sign Republic of Ireland U21 winger Jonathan Hayes from Reading on a 3 year deal.
The 19 year old spent the back end of last season on loan at MK Dons, making 13 appearances, and also had spells at Forest Green and Chesterfield.
Foxes manager Martin Allen informed the club website, "I have seen Jonathan play for Reading reserves on numerous occasions. He has pace, he is direct and he is very confident. I had taken him with me to on loan to MK Dons. He was impressive."
02 July 2007
Huddersfield manager Andy Ritchie would like to hold more talks with his Blackpool counterpart Simon Grayson over the future of midfielder Chris Brandon.
Brandon had a 5 game loan spell at Blackpool last season and Grayson would like to make the move permanent.
But the 31 year old has one year remaining on his Huddersfield contract, so the Terriers would like a fee for him.
"If Blackpool do not want him, we are more than happy for him to remain here," Ritchie informed his club's website. "The situation is still ongoing."
Bradford born Brandon has made 107 league appearances for Huddersfield since joining from Chesterfield in the summer of 2004.
28 June 2007
Wigan manager Chris Hutchings has named Frank Barlow as his assistant at the JJB Stadium, believing the 60 year old's experience will be a good asset to the club.
The former Nottingham Forest, Scunthorpe and Chesterfield manager has coached for over 30 years.
Hutchings, who replaced Paul Jewell at the end of the season, is pleased to have Barlow on board.
'I am very excited about working with him,' Hutchings informed the club's official website.
'Frank was always my 1st choice and he will bring in a lot of new ideas with him. I require someone I can trust implicitly and when it comes to football knowledge you cannot really get more experience in the game than he has has got. He knows players inside out, what motivates them, and how to get the best out of them. He is an absolutely superb, top line coach and I am confident he will have a big impact at Wigan.'
21 June 2007
Oldham have said that they have made a cash offer for Verona forward Craig Davies.
The 21 year old, who spent last season on loan at Wolves, was capped 4 times by Wales.
Davies started his professional career at Oxford United before making a surprise £85,000 transfer to the Italian Serie B club in January 2006.
Meanwhile Oldham and Chesterfield have held talks over a probable return to Oldham for midfielder Mark Allott, 29.
