Following a FOUL press release calling on developer Nick Pentith to come clean about his intentions to seek a Judicial Review against the City Council and GOSE regarding the planning permission for a multiplex cinema at Minchery Farm, Pentith called Thames Valley FM and told them that it was his intention to proceed with the JR. Papers were served on the two parties on Monday notifying them that leave to seek the JR was being sought. It is still possible that the High Court judge could refuse Pentith and his ally British Rail Properties a JR, and that even if he is allowed to seek a judgement it could go in United's favour. At this stage a JR doesn't act as an injunction on work starting at Minchery Farm, although Kassam might deem it not worth the risk until the outcome is known. Even if Pentith is successful it might not affect the building of the ground as the judgement might just grant him compensation or have some other unforeseen result. The timescale is also uncertain.
United have won the race to sign Ben Abbey from Crawley Town. It was announced today that the administrators at the troubled club have chosen Oxford's offer over that from Exeter City, the main rivals for Abbey's signature. The fee is believed to be around £30,000. Abbey wasn't signed in time for tomorrow's game at Luton, and it is unlikely that he will walk straight into the team anyway, Shotton seeing him as “one for the future”.