No Wheels on our wagon

The news that all United fans have been waiting for has finally arrived as Phil Whelan has turned down his offer of a new contract. It transpires that his career has further nosedived (if at all possible) as he has agreed to join Southend United. If Mark Watson and Rob Folland also continue to refuse their contracts and Paul Powell gets sold (Charlton have confirmed their interest in Powelly) this will leave United desparately short of defenders, even if Steve Davis does eventually decide to sign up again. With Denis Smith in hospital for a back operation for a couple of weeks or so this could lead to a potential crisis at the club (albeit less of a crisis than if Whelan had signed his contract).

There is a rumour that two other United players could also be dropping a division, as Cardiff City have allegedly expressed interest in both Jamie Cook and Welsh Under-21 player Folland. Meanwhile central defender Mark Watson is apparently trying to secure a contract at Columbus Crew, his former Major League Soccer club.

Yet another pre-season friendly

It would appear that Teletext was being a bit previous when reporting yesterday that United were to visit Banbury in a pre-season friendly as this has not been officially confirmed. However, Oxford fans can rest easy because another friendly has been organised for the Manor, albeit against less prestigious opponents. It transpires that a Chelsea XI will visit the Theatre of Nightmares on Friday July 28th, although they won’t be featuring any of their squad who are involved in Euro 2000, which leaves, umm, Zola…

Meanwhile United’s friendly at Crawley Town will be a United XI rather than the first team, although with the amount of players likely to be in our squad it will probably amount to much the same thing.

New TV deal could save smaller clubs

The new television deal announced yesterday by the Football League could be the saviour of smaller clubs, according to Orient chairman Barry Hearn. Hearn’s comments and details of the deal, including a new internet and e-commerce component, can be found on the Reuters news site.

Macca nicked

Former swindon manager Steve McMahon has been charged with assault after an alleged fight with an off-duty policeman at a barbecue on Saturday night. McMahom is alleged to have punched the officer during a heated row early on Sunday morning at the policeman’s home where McMahon had been enjoying food and, possibly more significantly, drink. Silly boy….