Home > Football > Football Rumours > Spurs keeper boob; Palace boss's dilemma; Clapham's Leeds boost; Blackpool's loan crisis

Spurs keeper boob; Palace boss's dilemma; Clapham's Leeds boost; Blackpool's loan crisis

Why should the big boys have all the fun on the transfer rumour mill? This Sportingo bulletin focuses on the current gossip in the so-called lower leagues (apologies for mentioning Spurs!). Luton and Swindon also feature today.

by Philip Smith on 28 September 2007

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Ben Alnwick: Good move or bad? (Gettyimages.com)

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Luton Town, midweek Carling Cup winners over Charlton, have strengthened their defence by taking goalkeeper Ben Alnwick from Spurs on a three-month loan deal.

In view of Paul Robinson’s more frequent boo-boos, I’m not sure that this is a good move onTottenham’s part. Alnwick had a spell as No.1 at Sunderland and moved south in January, but his chances have been limited at the Lane.

Hull City defender Sam Collins hopes to get more play time now, that he’s joined Swindon Town on loan. He’s only there for a month to start with but if the 30-year-old defender impresses Robins boss Paul Sturrock, the move could be made permanent. He’s been out of action for a year because of injury, but claims he’s not going to Swindon just to get fit. And he’s hoping to be in the weekend squad against Millwall.

'Jamie Clapham’s loan spell at resurgent Leeds United has been expended until the end of November'

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has been told to cut out the errors if he wants to hold on to the No.1 jersey. Manager Peter Taylor is sufficiently concerned to be casting an eye on the loan market, but has ruled out a move for Iain Turner at Everton.

Argentinian Speroni was at fault with both goals in Palace’s 3-2 win over Sheffield United at the weekend, but Taylor says: "I’m happy with Julian and Scott Flinders. If one goalkeeper is making some mistakes then the other might come in."

Jamie Clapham’s loan spell at resurgent Leeds United has been extended until the end of November, much to his delight. Wolves’ 31-year-old defender reckons it’s good to be playing regularly and to be enjoying life at Elland Road. Who wouldn’t, after the start they’ve made?

"The support has been great as well. The fans have really got behind us and there's a real good feeling about the place,” he said.

Blackpool’s injury crisis has forced manager Simon Grayson to check the “players available on loan” lists ahead of the club’s trip to Watford tomorrow.

He’s worryingly short of numbers in defence after key pair Ian Evatt and Steven Crainey both went down injured this week, and Grayson admitted he might have to get a couple of players on loan. “We are down to the bare bones,” he said. "If Crainey's hamstring is bad then we're basically down to five defenders," he added.

Stockport have offered contract extensions to defender Keith Briggs and midfielder Michael Bowler after they impressed boss Jim Gannon with their application and commitment on returning to action after injuries. There’ll be another review at the end of January.

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Comments (2)

by MikeF on September 28, 2007

of course its a good move to loan out Alnwick, it gives him a chance for more first team footie and guves us a chance to see if he's good enough to drop Robinson for!! We've got a good back up keeper in Cerny alredy so its important for Alnwick to develop

by NOODLES on September 29, 2007

Of course it is a good move as Ben is not even getting a game for the reserves, I hope he plays really well and puts robbo under pressure, he needs to be, as he has not been at his best lately, and needs to know that his place is not guaranteed ??