Darran Kempson will not be extending his stay at Forest Green, leaving manager Jim Harvey with a major defensive headache.

 

The centre-back's loan spell from Wrexham expired after Saturday's incredible FA Cup defeat to Derby County, and he had previously hinted he would be interested in joining Rovers on a permanent basis.

However, he has now told Harvey he wants to resurrect a career in the League after previously playing for Crewe Alexandra, Bury and Shrewsbury Town.

Darren Jones is suspended for this Saturday's FA Trophy second-round tie at home to Redditch United following his red card against Derby.

He joins injured duo John Hardiker and Ben Ashford and the cup-tied Lee Ayres on the sidelines, leaving Mark Preece as the only recognised central defender at Harvey's disposal.

The New Lawn boss is therefore pondering whether to dip into the loan market this week.

"Darran's future is up in the air and he has gone back to Wrexham to try and sort it out," said Harvey.

"He'll be looking for a Football League club if he can get one, so I don't expect to see him back here.

"There's a possibility I might bring someone in this week, but we're only really struggling for the Redditch game because after that Lee Ayres is available and Darren Jones will be back.

"John Hardiker is probably within a fortnight of returning and Ben Ashford is improving, so we should be okay in the longer term."
Rovers have reduced ticket prices for the Redditch tie to £12 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3 for under-16s, and Harvey is hoping the publicity generated by his side's Cup heroics will bump up future attendances.

He said: "Hopefully a few of the 4,836 who showed up against Derby have now been bitten by the bug and will be back for more, as we can still reach Wembley this season."

 

 

 

 

 

New Stags signing Curtis Woodhouse has spoken of his 'excitement' at teaming up once more with David Holdsworth and his ambition to achieve success both with Mansfield Town and as a professional boxer.

The battling midfielder (28) has been told he can continue both careers after securing his release from BSP rivals Rushden and Diamonds and joining the Stags on Monday.

 

He told Chad: "It's the first time in a while that I have been this excited joining a new club - probably since I went to Hull.

 

"With David here these could be exciting times and I am glad to be a part of it. If I didn't think exciting times were ahead I wouldn't have come.

 

"I played with David at Sheffield United and Birmingham City - he was my captain at both clubs. I got a phone call from him to ask me if I wanted to come to Mansfield and within 48 hours I had signed. It was all pretty straightfoward.

 

"You always know certain players will end up in management and David was one of those. He was a leader on the pitch and he will take that into his management.

 

"He is very ambitious and I like to surround myself with ambitious people as I think it rubs off on you."

 

But away from his football ambitions, Woodhouse is looking to build on a perfect record of nine wins in his nine fights as a welterweight boxer, six of them by knockouts, and is back in ring action at the end of March, live on Setanta Sports, in Liverpool.

 

He said: "Combining the two is trial and error really. There is no one I can ring up and talk to about it as no one else is daft enough to do it!

 

"But structured correctly I can't see any problems. I wil train here in the mornings, drive back up to the gym in Rotherham to train at 4.30pm, be home at 8.30pm to see the missus and have my tea, go to bed and then get up and do it all again!

 

"Yes it's hard work but it's better than digging holes which my dad did for 20 years of his life. So I won't be complaining about playing football and boxing.

 

"The proof will be in the pudding and I have to perform. I won't be able to go full steam all week or I will burn myself out. I will ease off on the boxing training on a Thursday and Friday so I am fresh for the game on Saturday.

 

"It wasn't the training so much as the driving that was the problem at Rushden. I was spending six hours a day in the car when I trained at Rushden as I am based in Hull and boxing in Rotherham."

 

He added: "I have always loved boxing from a young age and I am not getting any younger and decided I wanted to get involved.

 

 

 

 

 

Histon chairman Gareth Baldwin is refusing to get into an argument with Swansea's assistant manager Graeme Jones, following the postponement of the sides' FA Cup clash on Saturday.

 

The Stutes' supremo felt the Coca-Cola Championship team's coach attempted to influence referee Phil Crossley during the pitch inspection before the third round tie at the Glass World Stadium was called off.

 

Swansea issued a statement on Saturday stating Jones never left the team hotel, but the assistant boss has since revealed he was at the ground between 9am and 9.30am, although he denied trying to get the Kent official to call the game off.

 

But the Histon chairman is not interested in continuing the debate and wants his club to focus on winning the rearranged fixture on January 13 to seal a trip to Portsmouth or Bristol City in the fourth round.

 

Baldwin said: "All I know is, when I was on the pitch, the referee was put under pressure to call the game off - and it was not Histon applying that pressure.

 

"The fact we trained on the pitch on Saturday, between 1pm and 3pm, shows it was just a simple mistake by the referee - he could have waited longer because the frost that he thought might arrive after 4pm didn't arrive until after 6pm. But that's all gone now, so let's move on. We're focusing on the match on January 13 as we should be in a better position as far as players and preparation goes."

 

Jones insists his club did not want the game to be postponed, but felt Crossley's decision had to be made on health and safety grounds.

 

He said: "I was at the ground at 9am with Richie Evans (the physio) and the only people we saw were their groundsman and physio.

 

"I was back at the team hotel by 9.30am. When the referee arrived to do his pitch inspection at 11.30am, the only representatives of Swansea City who were at the ground were Richie and our kit manager, Sue Eames, who would always be at an away ground at that time.

 

"We wanted the game played 100 per cent, but the fact is that the pitch has to be playable and the referee made the decision that the pitch wasn't safe."

 

 

 

 

 

Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough will today continue his search for new talent - after missing out on two of his transfer targets.

 

Clough wants to strengthen his squad as the table-topping Brewers continue their push for Blue Square Premier honours.

 

But two possible deals have failed to materialise.

 

However, the Brewers boss remains hopeful of bringing in reinforcements.

 

He said last night: "We've been knocked back on a couple of deals - one by the club concerned and the other by the player we wanted to bring in.

 

"We might be in a position to resurrect one of the deals after the weekend, but the other has fallen through because the player in question has decided to go elsewhere for geographic reasons.

 

"But we're still in touch with four other clubs and we're hopeful our efforts will bear fruit.

 

"We're allowed to register a player or players up to 11am on New Year's Day and we might have to take advantage of that rule."

 

Clough has already started to clear the decks for an influx of new players by telling utility players Matt Bailey and Craig Armstrong that their loans will not be renewed, although the pair could be involved at York for the last time.

 

Bailey will return to Wolverhampton Wanderers after five months with the Brewers, during which time he has provided cover in wide left positions.

 

Cheltenham Town veteran Armstrong has been used in a similar capacity, but has made only one league start in his month at the Pirelli Stadium.

 

Clough is also expected to part company with Jon Newby.

 

The recruit from Greenock Morton has been told he can stay on for another two weeks, but Clough has made it clear that an attacking right-sided player is top of his shopping list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imraan Ladak believes Mark Cooper deserves the chance to pit his wits against a Barclays Premier League side.

 

Fulham – who sit in ninth place in the English game's top division – will travel to Kettering Town on January 24 after a historic weekend saw the Poppies reach the last 32 of the competition for the first time in 20 years thanks to a 2-1 victory over Eastwood Town.

 

The A-Line Arena – as it was on Saturday – will be sold out again when Fulham come to town.

 

And Poppies chairman Ladak admitted it was the sort of tie the players, the fans, the town but in particular Cooper deserved.

 

Let us know your views on Kettering Town and Mark Cooper's achievements at the club by signing-in and posting your comments at the bottom of the page.

 

"We all know Mark has been to the third round on two occasions with Tamworth but he never drew a Premier League side," he said.

 

"Having reached the fourth round now it is only right that he gets this chance. He deserves it more than anyone.

 

"Of course, it would have been great to get an away tie at one of the big guns. But this is all we could have asked for.

 

"It will be, without question, the biggest game in the club's
history and I couldn't be happier about it.

 

"We are in a situation at the moment where we are trying to get the community involved. We have done that but games like this can only help.

 

"It's great for the whole town but I am also delighted for the fans and the players.

 

"People keep saying to me that I deserve it and maybe they are right. But this one is for everyone to enjoy."

 

Ladak, meanwhile, admitted he is looking forward to speaking with Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed who is the owner of London's most famous shop Harrod's.

 

The Poppies chairman added: "His name were the first words to come out of my mouth when the draw was made.

 

"I have a huge amount of respect for him and I am very much looking forward to meeting and speaking with him."

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Paddy Gamble back at Nottingham Forest, new Stags boss David Holdsworth knows his next loanee decision will be over another Forest player - striker Emile Sinclair.

 

The 21-year-old has scored five times since arriving on loan at the end of October and Holdsworth said on Monday: "I know I have decision to make and Emile is a very talented lad.

 

"It is a situation I have to address as his loan finishes soon.

 

"I need to look at every option, but if I feel I can fit him in the framework of what I want I hope Forest will give him permission to stay."

 

Monday was another busy day at Field Mill, with Gamble's exit followed by confirmation that Curtis Woodhouse had been signed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woking chairman David Taylor has refuted suggestions that a deal has already been done to sell Tom Hutchinson to Cambridge United.

 

Hutchinson, the club’s highest wage earner among Phil Gilchrist’s squad, is still three weeks away from playing again after a knee operation, and Taylor insists there is no sub-plot as far as the Cards’ club skipper is concerned.

 

“I can say that the story of a deal being done is not true as far as we are concerned,” said Taylor.

 

“Tom is in the same situation as every player at the club. In the situation we are in financially, if an offer came in for him, or any of the squad, we would consider the situation. Until that happens there is nothing to report.”

 

Meanwhile, Woking are due to host Northwich on Thursday, weather permitting, with Phil Gilchrist confident following an unbeaten festive spell, including the 2-2 draw at Crawley on New Year’s Day.

 

Wilfried Domoraud and Daniel Spence were on target in that match - Cards taking the lead before Crawley hit back to lead 2-1 shortly after the break with goals from Adam Quinn and Michael Malcolm.

 

“The players have shown me they can compete against anybody and we are looking forward to the Northwich game,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Bayliss says Barrow AFC will do everything in their power to get Mike Pearson back playing as quickly as possible.

 

The defender, due to celebrate his 21st birthday later this month, suffered a horrific double leg-break during the Bluebirds’ 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The Welshman fell to the turf in agony after going in for a tackle with substitute Marvin Emnes. He will be out for the rest of the season.

Pearson is currently at a hospital in Middlesbrough and has been cheered up by being handed the shirt worn on Saturday by Boro’s best player, England international Stewart Downing.

Bayliss said this morning: “It’s a double break. He was due to have the operation last night and have pins inserted.

 

It’s a massive disappointment to lose Mike for the rest of the season.

“He’s been our most consistent player and is a manager’s dream to manage.

“He is non-contract and the club have assured us that they will look after Mike.

“We will all do everything possible to get him back playing as quickly as possible.

“He is a natural athlete and his healing process should be quicker than it would be for other people.” I think he should be fit to play for us next season.”

Barrow have confirmed the signings of experienced ex-Carlisle United and Gretna winger Brendan McGill and 20-year-old defender Marcus Holness.

 

McGill has penned a deal until the end of the season, with Holness arriving on a one-month loan from Rochdale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daryl McMahon is set to become Cambridge United's first signing of the transfer window.

 

It is believed the 25-year-old Stevenage midfielder is on the verge of joining United after being put on the transfer list by Borough two months ago.

 

Former Republic of Ireland youth international McMahon came through the youth ranks with West Ham, but joined Port Vale after being released five years ago.

 

He soon moved on to Leyton Orient before switching to Stevenage in 2007, but has struggled to nail down a place this season following the arrival of Graham Westley as manager.

 

Meanwhile, Lee McEvilly is set to seal his move from the Abbey to Rochdale tomorrow.

 

The former Northern Ireland international has been on loan at the League Two side since November and has agreed an 18-month contract.

 

McEvilly, who was United's top scorer with 11 goals before his sudden switch, wanted to move closer to his home in Liverpool and manager Gary Brabin did not stand in the player's way, feeling he had not always lived up to expectations in his all-round play.

 

McEvilly has scored twice in two games since returning to Rochdale, where he spent three years from 2001 to 2004 as well as a loan spell from Accrington last season.

 

Steven Drench has returned to Blue Square North side Southport following the end of his loan spell. The keeper made just one appearance for United in a 4-3 defeat at Telford in the Setanta Shield two months ago.

 

Brabin had hoped to keep the stopper for the rest of the season as back-up for Danny Potter.

 

* Former United assistant manager Alan Lewer has been handed the reins until the end of the season at Blue Square Premier rivals Weymouth.

 

 

 

There is strong speculation that experienced midfielder Curtis Woodhouse will become new Stags manager David Holdsworth's first signing.

Woodhouse (28), currently captain at Rushden, played with Holdsworth at both Sheffield United and Birmingham.

 

Website rumours suggest that Rushen manager Garry Hill said on New Year's Day the deal would be announced on Friday.

 

Meamwhile, the Stags have confirmed that full back James Kay has been offered an 18-month contract. Kay joined on a non-contract basis from Sheffield Wednesday under previous manager Billy McEwan and since being handed his debut by caretaker managers Mark Stallard and Adie Moses has impressed.

 

A decision on the future of loan keeper Paddy Gamble is expected today. Gamble is currently at the end of a three-month loan from Nottingham Forest.

 

Woodhouse would be seen as a replacement for Tranmere midfielder Adman Ahmed, who returned to Prenton Park from Field Mill on New Year's Eve after his loan spell was not extended for a third month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torquay United have signed Bristol City's promising young striker, Tristan Plummer, 18, on loan.

The England Under-17 international is eligible to play in tomorrow's FA Cup-tie at home to Blackpool, after signing a short-term deal.

Gulls boss Paul Buckle has been tracking the speedy striker for some time and he trained with the Gulls yesterday.

"(City boss) Gary Johnson feels that he's ready for first team football now," said Buckle Plummer spent the first two months of the season on loan at Luton Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teenage Wrexham star Jonathan Brown had a miraculous escape from a Christmas Eve horror smash.

 

The 18-year-old, on loan from Cardiff City, was driving through roadworks on an unlit stretch in Mid Wales when his car flipped three times and plunged down an embankment.

 

The Wales Under 21s international smashed his way out of the mangled wreckage of the Ford Fiesta Zetec and ran back up the bank for help.

 

And, after being given the all-clear, he played the full 90 minutes for the Dragons in their Blue Square Premier Boxing Day draw at Barrow.

 

The accident happened as Brown was making the 150-mile trip from his family home in Litchard, Bridgend, to North Wales when his car left the road at about 11pm.

 

He had driven back to South Wales to exchange Christmas presents with his family and girlfriend after training with Wrexham on Christmas Eve morning.

 

Brown emerged on to the roadside where fellow motorists stopped to help. They called an ambulance but paramedics who carried out medical checks found he was unhurt.

 

He then contacted his parents from the scene and told them of his escape.

 

His father Steve said: “Thank God he was okay and no-one else was involved. It’s been a shock for us all, but Jon has been very, very lucky.

 

“In the boot of his car were his football boots and Christmas presents. All Jon was concerned about was getting his boots so he was ready for training the next morning.”

 

Dragons boss Dean Saunders revealed Brown told him about the smash only after he appeared against Barrow.

 

Saunders said: “The reason Jon didn’t say anything was because he wanted to play at Barrow and, although he really should have said something beforehand, it’s to his credit that he was determined to keep his place in the team.”