The long expected clear-out at Richmond Park got into gear yesterday when the league champions confirmed that nine of the their first team panel had been transfer-listed.
None of those put up for sale were first-team regulars last season although two, Leon Braithwaite and Jeff Clarke, played key parts in the successful defence of the championship last season.
A third, Martin Reilly, did establish himself in the first team towards the end of the campaign, taking over from Ian Gilzean as Trevor Molloy's regular partner up front, but he is now out of contract at the club. Also going is Thomas Morgan, the under-21 international who had previously indicated his desire to leave after losing his place in central midfield this season to Martin Russell. This list is completed by Mark Mulraney, Eric Smith, Robbie Devereux, Jason Byrne and former Bohemians striker Warren Parkes.
Manager Liam Buckley will be hoping to generate some money for purchases through the sale of some of the nine but Reilly has already been linked with a "Bosman" free transfer to Portadown along with Devereux, for whom the Irish League club recently claimed they had offered £10,000.
Derry City expect Nigerian midfielder Johnbull O'Brown at the Brandywell for pre-season training after agreeing to give the 24-yearold a four-week trial.
Chelsea have completed the £3 million signing of French World Cup-winning captain Didier Deschamps. Central midfielder Deschamps, 30, has signed a three-year contract and will join up with French international team-mates Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle are set to reveal Spanish international defender Elena Marcelino as their latest signing. The 27-year-old Real Mallorca star will move to Tyneside for a fee of £5.8 million.
Southampton have entered the bidding to sign David Wetherall after the Leeds defender's proposed £2 million move to Huddersfield fell through.
Southampton, whose Dutch centre-back Ken Monkou has rejected a new contract, have told Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale they are prepared to meet or beat Huddersfield's offer.
Terry Venables is at the top of Wales's shopping list to be their new manager. Key members of the FA of Wales will push for an approach to be made to the former England boss at a crunch meeting later this week.
Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-year deal at The Valley.
The 41-year-old has been watched closely by several clubs after impressing during his side's brave but ultimately unsuccessful fight to stay in the Premiership.
