Wright and McMinn in

It was confirmed today that Mark Wright will be United's new manager, with his former Southport colleague Ted McMinn as his assistant. Wright was chosen ahead of John Aldridge and Steve Cotterill, who also applied for the post, but the former Oxford, Southampton, Derby and Liverpool (oh, and England) centre back was chosen for his apparent hunger. Both were offered contracts of three years.

Wright has already made the right (no pun intended) noises, claiming that he only wants players who are prepared to give 100% for United, and calling in the squad for post-season training so that he can assess their playing strengths (should be a short session then). Mike Ford has returned to coaching the youth team, and was reportedly very upset at not getting the manager's post permanently, although McMinn has apparently said that the new management team will work very closely with Fordy.

Rage Online applauds the appointment of Mark Wright and Ted McMinn and is now looking forward to the new season at Minchery Farm with something almost approaching optimism (whatever that might be). We anticipate nice football, in a nice strip, in a nice stadium, naive fools that we are.

Fear gets the Bus

Four of United's out-of-contract players will not be appearing for the club next season, as Peter Fear, Lee Jarman and Andy Linighan join Steve Anthrobus on the “Players available” list. ROS Rob Folland has been offered a contract of one year, Jon Shepheard has been retained for three months during which he has to prove himself following his injury and everyone's favourite Matt Murphy has to prove himself in a series of practice matches which will take place next week.

Heartening news is that five of United's crop of youngsters have been offered three year contracts. These five are Jamie Brooks, Simon King, Sam Ricketts, Chris Hackett and Dean Whitehead, although we're probably wrong.