Jon Ashton today signed a two-year contract with fellow Conference outfit Rushden & Diamonds. The pacy defender, whom United signed from Leicester City at the start of the 2003/04 season, following a highly successful loan spell, was released by Jim Smith at the end of the last disastrous season. Ashton had played just over one hundred first-team games for United. Many United supporters blamed Ashton for defensive errors and lacklustre performances, which contributed to the Us’ poor campaign.

The hunt for replacement players has been continuing while Smith has been on holiday, and although no announcements have been made there are a number of rumours floating about. One of the most prominent involves former United centre-back Phil Gilchrist, who was released by Rotherham at the end of last season. Gilchrist played over two hundred games for United before joining then Premiership Leicester City, coincidentally, where he again partnered Matty Elliott at the back. Another player mentioned in despatches is Southampton’s Eddy Odhiambo, brother of Eric Odhiambo, who used to play for one of United’s youth teams before signing for Leicester City (them again!) last season.

Meanwhile, United have announced that their new Commercial Manager, to replace Lorna Gosling, will be Peter Corbett. Corbett formerly worked for the Stadium Company, and so won’t have to move his office too far. As far as we can tell he has no links with Leicester City.