Bits n pieces

Although United didn't have a game yesterday everything else continued as normal in the world of football, for no discernible reason. There was only one game in the third division, which unfortunately saw Luton go up a place to fourth after winning 2-1 at Hartlepool. Hatters' Defender Ian Hillier was sent off for two yellow cards and could miss the Boxing Day match at Oxford.

In the FA Cup Danny Cullip scored Brighton's second in their 2-1 win over Rushden & Diamonds and he also conceded the penalty which led to Irthlingborough's goal; Paul Simpson got the second goal for Blackpool as they beat Rochdale 2-0; Nick Cusack scored an important goal for Swansea, their only goal in a 4-1 defeat at Dave Moss's Macclesfield. United's next opponents, Mansfield Town, thrashed second division Huddersfield 4-0, with Chris Greenacre getting a hat trick.

United are still waiting to see whether they are going to sign Brighton's Andy Crosby. He has been offered a two and a half year deal by United, but since news of his possible transfer has become public knowledge some other clubs have expressed an interest.

There is continuing speculation about the managerial positions at United, with Paul Bracewell's name being considered as Ian Atkins' number two. This was because he was seen in conversation with Atkins up at Hull last weekend but there is no non-circumstantial evidence to back this up. Presumbly all will be revealed in time for the Mansfield match next Saturday.