Bound tied-up

United have finally secured the signature of long-sought after centre half Matthew Bound, who has signed on a free transfer from Swansea City, where he was the highest-paid player. Bound, who has been on loan at United for the past six weeks or so, has signed a two year contract.

Bound's permanent arrival (okay, two years isn't really permanent, but it's all relative) frees up an extra loan space and so Ian Atkins acted immediately to bring in Carlisle left back Lee Maddison on a one month loan, presumably with a view to a permanent move. Maddison will almost certainly go straight into the side for tomorrow night's game at Irthlingborough.

Rushden preview, and Diamonds too

United visit Nene (pronounced Nenn) Park tomorrow evening to take on the twin might of Rushden & Diamonds. Don't be confused, but the team actually plays at Irthlingborough, about seven miles from Rushden, but Irthlingborough Diamonds lost virtually all its identity when the two teams merged. New signing Lee Maddison is virtually guaranteed to replace Wayne Hatswell at left back, whilst Andy Scott is battling to be fit in time to take his place up front, possibly alongside Paul Moody although Phil Gray must have a chance of starting considering the Moods' inability to play two full games in a week.

United have never played at R&D before in a meaningful fixture (they did play a couple of friendlies against them and, in a previous incarnation, Rushden Town, a few seasons back) and that is why the away allocation of tickets remains sold out despite the game having being postponed from New Year's Day. In their first season of league football the Northants side have made a decent fist of things and lie just outside the play-off positions. In real life they must be favourites to win tomorrow and the famously negative Rage Online prediction reflects this, with a 2-0 victory to the home side being our forecast. Hope we're wrong…