Monday May 12, 2008
Millwall: Defender out for nine months
Danny Senda will be out of action for nine months after the 27-year-old underwent knee surgery last week.

The defender suffered the injury in Millwall's 2-1 defeat against Swindon Town, and physio Bobby Bacic said: "Danny's rehabilitation will take up to none months because of the severity of the original injury. "

Meanwhile, Mark Phillips also had an operation last week but is expected to be fit within six weeks.

Leeds United: Johnson set for left-back role
Bradley Johnson could play as left-back for Leeds United in their big play-off semi-final first leg clash with Carlisle.

The former Northampton Town midfielder, who switched to Elland Road during the January transfer window, is lined up for the left-back slot because the regular for that position, Alan Sheehan, is suspended.

Johnson has proved a popular signing at Leeds, and has been a regular in manager Gary McAllister's team, which claimed a play-off spot despite their 15 point handicap.

Leeds also hope to welcome back top scorer Jermaine Beckford, who returned to training on Thursday after an ankle injury and .

Carlisle: Raven to miss out
David Raven will miss tonight's play-off semi-final showdown at Leeds because he is serving the final game of his three-match suspension.

However, fellow defender Danny Livesey is available after serving a one-match ban.

Oldham Athletic: Gretna keeper attracting interest
Oldham are among the clubs chasing the signature of Gretna goalkeeper Greg Fleming, according to the Scottish club's coach Andy Smith.

"Greg has been training with other clubs," Smith said after Fleming starred in a 0-0 draw with St Mirren.

"Crewe and Oldham are two from England, but the phone has been busy regarding Greg as he is going to be a very good goalkeeper and an asset."

Brighton: Adams to look again at retained list
New manager Micky Adams may look again at the club's retained list, which was issued under ex-boss Dean Wilkins.

Ten players were released, including experienced Gary Hart and Kerry Mayo but Adams told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I know it's been controversial and I have my own opinions of that.

"I have my own ideas about three or four of the players and we will have discussions about it. We will see what develops."

Saturday May 10, 2008
Doncaster Rovers: We're not favourites, says boss Sean
Manager Sean O'Driscoll shrugged off his side's tag as favourites to book a trip to Wembley after they battled to a goalless draw in the first leg of their One play-off semi-final against Southend.

It appears to be advantage Rovers following a stalemate at Roots Hall, but O'Driscoll's reply to being asked if his side are in pole position to reach the final was a blunt "no".

"We played exceptionally well against a good side and I'm sure the game next week will be just as tight," he said.

Carlisle: Ward fired up to shoot down Leeds
Boss John Ward says Leeds United are the side under pressure as they prepare for their play-off semi-final first leg on Monday.

Having missed out on automatic promotion, Ward believes all the pressure is on the Yorkshire giants to join Swansea and Nottingham Forest in the Championship.

"It's a really big game for us against a really big club and we go in as the David against Goliath," he said. "Leeds have got to get up basically, and that's the feeling that will come from their chairman and their manager to their players and they have to deal with that."

Oldham: Warning over falling gates
The club's owners have warned the club's future could be at risk if attendances continue to fall.

Last season's average league gate dropped 16% and cost the Latics an estimated £345,000 in revenue.

The average attendance at Boundary Park was 5,327, the lowest since season 2000/2001, and managing director Simon Corney told the Oldham Chronicle: "We will stem the flow and keep the team competitive, but there comes a point when you can't swim against the tide any longer."

Swansea: Butler signs long-term deal
Midfielder Thomas Butler has become the latest player to sign a long-term deal.

Alan Tate, Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur-Jones all pledged their future to the club earlier this week while seven other players - including Garry Monk and Dennis Lawrence - have been offered new contracts.

Butler joined from Hartlepool in July 2006, and boss Roberto Martinez said: "Tom has been a very consistent performer this season. He's a better and more mature player than when he first arrived."

Southend: Tilson confident despite draw
Boss Steve Tilson believes his side remain in with an excellent chance of reaching Wembley despite the goalless draw with Doncaster in the home leg of their play-off semi-final.

The south Yorkshire side will be favourites to progress, although Tilson is confident his men can triumph on the road and give themselves a shot at a return to the Championship.

"It was a fair result on the night. We probably shaded the first half and they shaded the second. The main thing is we are still in the tie," he said. "We would have liked to have had an advantage but it's all to play for in a one-off game now. Our away form is good "

Millwall: Brighton signs for St Mirren
St Mirren have signed former Scotland under-21 and Clyde forward Tom Brighton on a pre-contract agreement from Millwall.

The 24-year-old former Rangers youth moved to The Den in June 2006 but injury blighted his first season and he has not featured at all this term.

"Tom will give us options up front - he is quick and strong," manager Gus MacPherson said.