Caretaker-manager Ian ‘Charlie’ McParland says Town’s coaches and players were shocked to hear of manager Roy Keane’s sacking when they arrived at Playford Road this morning. McParland will take charge of a much-weakened Blues side in the FA Cup at Chelsea on Sunday with midfielder Jake Livermore also now ruled out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Chief executive Derek Bowden has confirmed that Town have held talks with former Drogheda central defender Graham Gartland, but says the 25-year-old is yet to be offered a contract. Free agent Gartland recently spent a week training with the Blues.
Town boss Roy Keane has revealed that defender Darren O’Dea has returned from international duty with Ireland with a tight hamstring. The Blues boss says the on-loan Celtic man will be assessed tomorrow before a decision is made on whether he faces Hull on Saturday.
Town are eyeing Blackpool left-back Stephen Crainey, according to a tabloid report this morning. The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and the Blues are claimed to be ready to make a move in the new year.