A done deal?

United boss Mark Wright is insisting that the signing of Barnet defender Sam Stockley is “a done deal” despite the fact that he has yet to sign a contract with the club. Apparently all the terms and conditions of the deal have been agreed and Stockley is expected to put pen to paper on Friday, when Wright and the rest of the squad return from training on a boat in Portsmouth.

Also training with the squad is former United centre-back John Dreyer. Dreyer has also not yet signed a contract, there being some loose ends to tie up, but he is also expected to sign on Friday. Mark Wright has now stated that he is still looking to bring in another goalkeeper and a striker before the start of the season.

Meanwhile Birmingham have denied reports that former United defender Darren Purse is about to move to Arsenal for £4 million. According to the Blues Purse is about to sign a new long-term contract at St. Andrews. Milk Cup winner John Trewick has joined former U's boss, Derby County's Jim Smith, as first team coach at Pride Park.

Being friendly

United have added two more games to their list of pre-season friendlies as Wright attempts to mould his squad into a team. The games will both take place next week, prior to the first previously scheduled game at Oxford City. The new fixtures are this Tuesday 17th at Brackley Town and then Thursday 19th at Didcot Town. United will field first team players in both games.

Oxford City have said that there will be advance seat tickets on sale for the friendly against United at Court Place Farm on July 21st. Seats will cost £6. The two Oxford players on trial at swindon are City's striker Dwaine Strong and utility player Jemaine Ferreira.