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MILLWALL boss George Graham is looking for a big man to use up front. Graham,
away on a coaching course, wants the new man to provide competition for
top scorer Dean Neal and also to take some of the weight off him. One of the players he has had watched is Chelsea’s Clive Walker, but Graham's interest has cooled and I wouldn't be surprised if he switches to another Chelsea attacker. Former Millwall skipper Harry Cripps. who also had a spell on the managerial side at Charlton and Palace, has been appointed assistant to former England skipper Bobby Moore at Southend |
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MILLWALL manager George Graham returns to The Den this week to take charge of the
sides build-up to the new season. Graham, who has been away on a
managers' and coaches’ course at Lilleshall has his side back in
training on Wednesday. And the Lions hope to tie up the signing of a front-runner next week. |
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By Brian Stater Millwall manager George Graham is fighting off interest in unsettled defender Dave Martin. Martin, transfer-listed at his own request, has been the subject of a strong enquiry - but Graham refuses to disclose the source. And the Lions chief made it clear he intends to hang on to Martin. He said, “Dave is still only 21 but has played well over 100 League matches. That's a tremendous amount of experience.” Meanwhile, the Lions are back in training tomorrow and leave for a week long stint in Suffolk on Monday. |
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by Brian Stater MILLWALL are locked in a bottle to sign star striker Mick Vinter. Lions chief George Graham has offered Oxford £25,000 for the free-scoring forward - but fears Vinter may go to Second Division Barnsley. Graham said, “Mick is a player of real pedigree. He played in all Oxford's matches last season, including their defeat of Manchester United in the Milk Cup.I've made him what I feel is a very good offer, but I know several other clubs are after him.” “Barnsley have been in for him and there's a chance that he might prefer to play in the Second Division.” Thirty-year-old Vinter has told Graham he will give Millwall his answer as soon as possible, but is unlikely to make up his mind before Oxford chief Jim Smith returns from holiday on Monday. Graham is anxious to secure strength-in-depth in his forward line and fears that injuries to regular front men Dean Neal and Kevin Bremner could |
leave the Lions desperately short of cover. In total, Vinter has scored well over 100 goals in a League career that has spanned 330 games. Meanwhile Millwall were this week cleared of responsibility for crowd trouble that occurred after their Associate Members' Cup match at Bournemouth in May. Referee John Martin was involved in a melee when fans came on to the pitch at the final whistle. Both clubs were charged by the FA with failing to take responsible precautions against the outbreak. But a three-man team, led by FA disciplinary committee chairman Les Mackay, ruled that both clubs were in the clear. Manager Graham, who argued the Lions' case, said, “It Was a very fair hearing. I'm delighted with the outcome.” The Lions returned for pre-season training yesterday and on Monday leave for a week-long stint in Suffolk. |
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by Terry Bushell MILLWALL'S attacking midfielder Steve Lowndes has at long last fully recovered from his broken toe. He started training yesterday (Wednesday) to end six months of misery. Lowndes was stretchered off the field on January 2 during the 2-0 defeat at Bolton. The injury was horrific with the bone poking through his boot. Complications set in and he was in and out of hospital for months. All that is now hopeful behind him. Lowndes was jubilant when given the all-clear to resume training and, providing he regains full overall fitness in time, could even be back in time for the new League season. Millwall are training this Week at Shotley near Ipswich, and tomorrow make the short trip to Colchester for a friendly. The testing pre-season friendlies begin on August 4 when the Lions entertain First Division Aston Villa. With manager George |
Graham concentrating this week on a grueling training programme to get his
players match fit, plans to sign a new striker are held in abeyance. Main targets are Mick Vinter of Oxford and Aldershot's Dale Banton. There are problems with both. Vinter has been talking to several other clubs, while Banton has bee n priced at an unrealistic £100,000. Banton, 23 - cousin of former Charlton favourite Paul Elliot, has spent two years at Aldershot after learning his trade with West Ham. Aldershot upped the price after a Division club enquired after him. Graham reckons the player is worth less than half that amount. Banton scored 28 goals in his opening season at Aldershot and last season contributed to the team's promotion drive. Graham has approached Aldershot regarding the striker, having already secured midfielder Les Briley from them. As part of this deal Andy Massey joined Aldershot. Briley joins midfielder Tony Kinsella and defenders Lindsay Smith as new signings at the Den. |
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by Brian Stater George Graham has hit a fresh snag in his plan to bring a striker to The Den. The Millwall manager is keen to sign Aldershot ace Dale Banton - but has been baulked by a £100,000 price tag. Graham has shown strong interest in the 23-year-old Banton, who has completed two seasons with Aldershot after leaving West Ham. I understand a First Division club has made an approach for Banton, and Aldershot have the price accordingly. An angry Graham said, “A fee of £100,000 is far too high for a player like Banton. I feel £40,000 would be far more realistic.” If the Lions succeed in signing Banton it would complete a double transfer-from the Fourth Division outfit. Midfield man Les Briley joined Millwall from Aldershot earlier this summer |
in a part exchange deal for midfield man Andy Massey. London-born Banton hit 28 goals in his first season with Aldershot and made a big impact as the side challenged for promotion last season. The signing of a new striker, would almost certainly wrap up Graham's pre-season dealings. He has strengthened the squad by introducing midfield man Tony Kinsella and Les Briley and defender Lindsay Smith, and is keen that there should be, competition for places in the team. Graham is also chasing Oxford's Mick Vinter and will learn the outcome of his bid this week. Millwall yesterday started a grueling week-long training, spell in Suffolk. The side face a friendly against Colchester on Friday before opening their main pre-season fixtures with a home clash against Aston Villa on August 4. |