Is Beasant pleasant?

Mark Wright is hopeful of signing 42 year old Dave Beasant on a two yeer contract. Beasant played regularly in the first division last season for Nottingham Forest and would provide the experience that Wright is craving for the goalkeeping position. Coaching alongside Beasant would also be an excellent learning experience for young Richard Knight.

However Birmingham City and Burnley are also chasing the veteran 'keeper and the allure of continued first division football might well prove too much for the former Wimbledon and Southampton (amongst others) goalie. If Beasant does sign for Oxford, it will represent a major coup for Wright, especially as United apparently couldn't meet Chester's asking price for their highly regarded 'keeper Wayne Brown.

Matt Murphy turned out for Bury against Accrington Stanley last Tuesday but didn't play against Oldham yesterday. Probably because, according to the official Bury web site, “Matt Murphy (Ex Oxford United) also tried at times, but to be honest, looked pretty much anonymous for much of the game.” This would come as no surprise to United followers.

Meanwhile Macclesfield decided against giving Steve Anthrobus a trial in their 0-0 draw with Altrincham and the Bus could be joining a Welsh League outfit instead.

Other totally unsubstantiated rumours include United giving a trial to Northampton midfielder Dave Savage, whilst the Cobblers are allegedly expressing an interest in Gareth Hall, who has been playing with United for the past couple of weeks. Former U's 'keeper Hubert Busby Junior has also, apparently, been training with the United squad. Treat all of these with the scepticism they deserve.