End of week news round up

Last updated : 14 June 2003 By Michael Morris
Ainsworth off to Loftus Rd
All speculation on player arrivals at Ninian Park have dried up. Lennie has confirmed in the past he is interested in John Robinson and that he has been speaking to Premiership players / agents. Before he went on holiday last week Lennie said

"We spent a day dealing with proposals and talking to Premiership clubs and players who are out of contract. It is a busy time, but we are not going to dive in. When we sign somebody we have to be sure it is the right move.

"The chances of something happening within the next couple of weeks is next to nil. We are working hard on this, but clubs and players want to wait until the end of the month at least."


But that's it. The players are due back for pre season training on June 30th, that's also the date many contracts actually end for players so I would expect a busy July, especially as the first pre season game starts on July 19th in Scandinavia.

The only incoming that seem certain to happen are that of two new members of the backroom staff. Paul Wilkinson released by Grimsby and Steve Thompson, the player that captained Lennie's Charlton to Division 1 in the 80's. It was uncertain exactly what roles would be assumed by these men with talk that Thompson could be Lennie's assistant with Wilkinson the new reserve team coach. That threw doubt on the future of Ian Butterworth but I understand that the two new arrivals will be added to the existant coaching stafff and not replacing anyone. Exact roles are yet to be determined.

There is more action with outgoings. Gareth Ainsworth is set to complete a move to QPR. Ainsworth is on holiday but is due to sign a contract at Loftus Rd on his return.

Leo FW and Gavin Gordon are attracting interest from Oxford Utd. Leo is a free agent so can do as he pleases, Gavin is under contract so could command a fee, there is no way Oxford could afford to pay the £500,000 Cardiff paid to Lincoln for the striker but City may well listen to offers as it would mean another player off the books. Gavin has struggled to get first team football and a move to Oxford, where he was on loan for a spell last season, could be the right thing to do.

At the time of writing there is no news on Andy Legg. There is a contract offer on the table with unconfirmed speculation that it's at a substantial reduction on his wages last season. Legg is thinking over the offer but could look to move elsewhere. Again unconfirmed but it's thought Barry Fry may offer him a two year deal at Peterborough. Legg might opt for the longer term deal but it's all speculation at the moment.

Off the field, fans can buy new season tickets from Monday 16th June. Information packs have been sent out to all on the database and most have received theirs now. Existing season tickets holders and members can purchase from Monday morning and there is a three week window for purchases at the lowest discounted price.

Seats will be held for existing season ticket holders until July 5th. For one day only, July 6th any seats not renewed by season ticket holders will be available to members to purchase at the lowest price.

Then from July 7th new applications are welcome for season tickets at an earlybird price and for new 2003 / 04 memberships. This window is open until July 31st. From August 1st season tickets will be sold at full price.

The new Division 1 fixtures are being published on Thursday June 19th at 10am.

There are no updates yet on the new stadium, a decision from the council is expected this summer and no news either on the proposed promotion party in Cardiff in July.

For the moment that's it. Of course if there are any breaking stories then I'll report ASAP.