Henry for Francis?

QPR manager Gerry Francis is ready to beat Crystal Palace, Oxford and Reading to sign highly-rated striker Carl Henry from non-league side Witney Town. Francis has approached the Dr Marten's League club toask about the 26-year-old and is ready to make a £350,000 bid.

Pentith latest

The High Court says that Pentith's appeal is probably going to be a one day case and therefore it's unlikely to be heard before March at the earliest. If Pentith utilises legitimate delaying tactics then it 'could be July or more probably later'. If the City Council or Firoz Kassam are not prepared to commence work on the new stadium until this issue is resolved then it is possible that football will still be played at the Manor until 2001 (FLA permitting).

swindon's woes

And we thought we were in a bad way when Mickey Lewis had to take the field. Now swindon manager Jimmy Quinn, 40, is considering aplaying comeback tomorrow to help his rock-bottom side. The manager, who has scored six times for the reserves in the last three weeks, said: “I've got a groin strain at the minute so I'll have to wait and see.”

Latest speculation

Firoz Kassam spent all today interviewing candidates for the vacant manager's job. Worryingly Ray Wilkins has announced that he is to finish at Chelsea next month and is looking to move back into management. Ian Atkins, Northampton's former boss, has also apparently applied for the new vacancy at United's next FA Cup opponents Shrewsbury. There is speculation linking Graeme Souness and Joe Kinnear with the vacant posts at both Blackburn and Dunfermline.