Sports Round-Up 24 April 2008 

 

Open to offers: Loanee Michael Timlin has been offered a contract by Swindon Town

The summer transfer merry-go-round began in earnest today at the County Ground.

 

In his weekly video interview boss Maurice Malpas revealed which players have and haven't received contract offers for next season.

 

The following players have received contract offers for the 2008-2009 season:

The following players have not received contract offers for the 2008-2009 season:

The boss was also keen to stress that despite a recent run of good results, the season isn't over and with two games remaining everyone is concentrating on a positive finish.

 

"We wanted four wins to finish, and with two wins in the last two we're on target, but Gillingham will be a tough game because they are fighting for their lives," added Malpas.

 

With a busy summer ahead of him, Malpas has identified versatility as a key trait he is looking for in any new players.

 

"We plan to have a squad of about 22, so it's important that the players we bring in have the ability to play in a number of different positions," said Malpas. 

Stepping down: Cliff Puffett stepping down as Supermarine Chairman

Former Cirencester striker Nick Stanley was the hero for his new side as he grabbed a brace against his old team.

However, had it not been for an uncharacteristic goal-keeping error from Ciren stopper Matty Bulman, the result would have undoubtedly been different.

The former Swindon Town youngster misjudged a long ball from Danny Allen, and after it had bounced over his head the grateful Stanley was on hand to score the easiest of winners.
Stanley’s performance was one of the brighter points on an otherwise forgettable afternoon.

“Nick was a threat all afternoon and fully deserved his goals,” said a delighted Mark Collier.

Off the field, Cliff Puffett has announced he will be calling time on his role as chairman of the club.

The 68-year-old is looking to hand over the reigns to a "younger and more energetic person" who can continue his outstanding work.

Great start: Rosco delighted with Robins' form

The Robins will be hoping to extend their impressive start to the Elite League season with a win over struggling Wolverhampton at the Abbey Stadium tonight.

Following their astounding victory over the much fancied Belle Vue Aces, Alun Rossiter’s team won’t want to slip-up at home this evening.

With his side sat at the top of the Elite League table, Rossiter is proving all the doubters wrong as his young side have started the season in fine form.

The Robins have back-to-back home fixtures as they host Eastbourne on Monday night live in front of the Sky cameras.

Fond farewell: Joel Petkoff seeks pastures new in Germany

Disappointing news for all Cats fans was announced this week, with confirmation that top scorer Joel Petkoff will not be signing a new contract at the Link Centre.

The Canadian will instead be swapping England for Germany as he looks for a new challenge in his career.

The former fans' favourite has signed for OberLiga side EC Peiting and will be looking to help his new side gain promotion from the third tier.

Petkoff departs on the back of making the EPL’s All Star team for the second time in his three years with Swindon, following his impressive 53 goal haul this season.

The loss will no doubt be a huge one for Pete Russell and he will have his work cut out to find an able replacement.

Shanghai success: David Howell celebrates his last win in the Far East  www.davidhowell.com

David Howell teed it up at the BMW Asain Open in Shanghai this morning as he looked to build on his impressive runners-up spot in Portugal earlier this month.

However, the Broome Manor star didn’t get off to the best of starts with an opening round of 75 (+3).

Playing alongside last week's winner Damien McGrane, and Jeev Milkha Singh, Howell struggled to get to grips with the tight and demanding Pudong Golf Club.

The Ryder Cup star will have his work cut out if he is going to make it a hat-trick of BMW titles.