First, congrats to Essex, who are off to the home of cricket for their first big one day final for many years to face Kent on August 16. Now, Lord's or Millwall, it's a tough choice!
Back in the footy world, if not the real one, Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has told Shrimpers out of contract midfielder Kevin Maher to make up his mind over whether he wants to play for Gillingham next season. With the squad jetting off to La Manga next Tuesday for a four day training session, the Gills boss has given Maher a deadline on whether to include him in the party of 21 players
After spending the last ten years in the comfort zone with Southend United, Maher now aged 31 is looking for the best possible deal with just over a month to go before the new season kicks-off. Whether or not Gills can offer him a one, two or three year deal is open to speculation, although the player who made seven appearances on loan at Priestfield at the end of last season may have to make a decision sooner rather than later. Stimpson wants ex-Captain Kev to help lead the club's charge back into League 1 but admits he can't wait forever. Speaking to the Kent Messenger, Stimson said, "We're going to try and put something to him in the next 48 hours and force his arm a little. We want to know whether he's going to join or us not. It would be great if he did because he looks good in training. I know he's good enough to play in League One and that's probably eating away in his mind. If we were a League One side he would have signed by now. It's not right to have him training with us and me thinking he could be in my plans - I would like to know yes or no."
Meanwhile, in the continuing Hoops saga, Scunthorpe's bid seems to have done the desired trick with getting other clubs to step up their interest allowing Cheltenham to try a spot of guzumping. Reports link Tilly with a trip to their ground and showing an interest in Gillespie for Hoops and a wad of cash, 400,000, I can't see Uncle Ron putting that up?
Now anyone at Whaddon Road last season will remember Gillespie tearing down the left wing leaving three Blue defenders on their arses and setting up the easiest of opening goals. He would be great replacement for Gower, can we afford him though? As ever, time will tell, but at least we are holding up the farmers who have been turned down for Gillespie with their own 350k offer.
Talking of the farmers, and I don't like doing it, but like Ling at Borient last year Williams is making some shewd signings, close to a whole new defensive unit, the area that caused them so much trouble last season. Paul Reid from Barnsley is a good defender for League One and I expect a good show from them. It's going to be a lot tougher to make the top six this time around.
A club-by-club preview of League One coming soon.