Carlisle favourites to snap up versatile left-sider
Jun 20 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
CARLISLE United have emerged as front-runners to sign Matty Robson by offering the former Hartlepool United player a chance to stay in the North.
When the versatile left-sider was released by Pool this summer, Robson looked set to link up again with former manager Danny Wilson at Swindon Town.
But the Robins have dragged their heels since talking to the Durham-born player, and are believed to be considering other targets. Wilson’s procrastination, and simple geography, could allow Carlisle to land the 24-year-old.
Having seen left-back Michael Liddle return to Sunderland after a six-month loan and winger Cleveland Taylor hand in a transfer request, Greg Abbott needs cover on the left. Robson, who spent all seven seasons of his senior career at Victoria Park, is understood to favour staying in the region.
His former team-mate Michael Nelson had no such qualms, however, and his move to Pool’s new League One rivals Norwich City will take place next month, it has been confirmed.
Like Robson, the centre-back rejected an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the month. He will sign a two-year deal with Norwich.
Nelson was approached by clubs in the Championship – the division Norwich were relegated from last season – but it was the Canaries who made him an offer he felt unable to refuse.
“Talks went on but there was no offer on the table as such,” he revealed. “In the end I had to make a decision and I think I have made the right one.
“This is a massive club with one of the best stadiums in the Championship, let alone League One.”
Norwich boss Bryan Gunn revealed it was Ian Butterworth, his number two and previously Wilson’s assistant at Victoria Park, who alerted him to Nelson.
“We know all about Michael’s qualities through Ian Butterworth’s connections with Hartlepool and I went to see him on a couple of occasions last season,” said the former goalkeeper.
Leeds United have emerged as front-runners to sign striker Danny Graham, another free agent after running down his Carlisle contract.
Simon Grayson sees the Gateshead-born 23-year-old as a potential replacement for transfer-listed Jermaine Beckford. Sheffield United and Newcastle United have been linked with the latter, though no bids have been forthcoming. With no manager and the club for sale, the Magpies are unable to lodge an offer yet, but Beckford is thought to figure prominently on Alan Shearer’s list of transfer targets if, as expected, he is appointed as Newcastle’s new manager.
Meanwhile, the Football League have written to Darlington’s creditors explaining why they delayed the Quakers’ exit from administration.
A meeting had been due to take place on Wednesday to approve a Company Voluntary Agreement which would have brought the League Two outfit out of administration for the first time since February, but it was put back until next Thursday at the League’s request. They also asked the administrators to write to all creditors clarifying the position of the club, who are in the throes of a takeover by former vice chairman Raj Singh.
Unsecured creditors have been offered 0.9p in the pound under the CVA. It can not go ahead without the approval of those owed at least 75% of the Quakers’ £7.8m debt. The uncertainty has not stopped Darlington making Dean Windass their first signing since entering administration.
The 40-year-old striker has signed a 12-month contract with the tenth club of his career, after being released by Hull City. He is reunited with Colin Todd, his former Bradford City manager. Windass turned down a similar role at Port Vale United.
Gregg Blundell is set to leave Neasham Road for former club Chester City.
