Apologies for no update yesterday, but sometimes even we web editors need to have a life.

Wins for United shock

Following the Youth Team's 6-0 win over Bury Town yesterday in the FA Youth Cup (goals from Chris Hackett, Jamie Brookes, Dwight Campioli, Jorden Holder and two from Adam Garner on his debut) the reserves went to Roots Hall and beat Southend 3-0, with two goals from Simon Weatherstone (so maybe Carl Walker's right – see the E'd Back Page) and another from Jamie Cook. Paul Powell played the full game and Ben Abbey appeared for the Shrimpers.

Rumours

A couple of these, both apparently unlikely. There are reports that Joey Beauchamp might be going to QPR in a cut-price deal, whilst that bastion of reliable reporting Teamtalk suggests that Wimbledon's Robbie Earle could be set to join United as a player-coach. A more reliable rumour is that there could well be a couple of Scandinavian players on their way to United for a trial before the end of the week, whilst Joe Kinnear and David Kemp were reportedly on the phone all day yesterday making offers to various players.

Shotts away

Thirteen months after he was dismissed as Oxford United manager Malcolm Shotton has suffered the same fate at Bradford City. It's a shame that someone who was so successful off the pitch is finding life higher in the hierarchy so problematic. Hopefully he will find success elsewhere in the near future.