Speculation linking Andrews to Scottish giants Celtic had been gathering momentum all week but now Collins says his hottest current property is not for sale. There had been rumours that the likely sale of Andrews was holding up takeover negotiations between Michael Knighton and John Courtenay but Collins denies this. Only yesterday Collins publicly blasted Michael Knighton over the latest delays in the talks which appear to have stalled. A press conference was planned for Monday but was cancelled over the weekend and no new date has been announced. Supporters remain sceptical over whether Mr Knighton, who has been in protracted negotiations with several potential buyers over the last three years, is really willing to let go of the club he took over in 1992. According to some who have seen players' contracts, Knighton could stand to gain financially from a player leaving by taking a percentage of the transfer fee. However Mr Knighton himself has always denied this. Andrews has made himself a regular this season with a series of outstanding displays at the back. In recent weeks he has formed a solid defensive wall with experienced partner Mark Winstanley. There has been talk of interest from Birmingham City and it is thought Tottenham and Barnsley have also been keeping tabs on him, as well as Celtic. "He is not going anywhere, " said Collins. "We have not had any offers, not even an inquiry. I would not be listening to offers at this time." The club's official line, believed to be supported by Mr Knighton, is that the youngster is worth £2.5 million, a price tag that would deter most clubs at the moment. United sold Matt Jansen to Crystal Palace in 1998 for a total package of £2 million. However Andrews is unlikely to attract offers of that sort until he has played a lot more first team games. Re-arranged dates United's postponed games from this week have been re-scheduled. The home game with Cheltenham Town will now be played at Brunton Park on Tuesday April 16 with a 7.45pm kick-off. The visit to York City will be played at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday April 9 at 7.45pm. Shaymen deep in trouble Troubled Halifax Town are even firmer favourites for the drop to the Conference after going down 2-1 at promotion-chasing Mansfield last night. The result meant they slipped to seven points adrift of second-bottom Leyton Orient, who collected a point at home to Darlington. Torquay made it 4 points in 2 games by drawing 1-1 at home to Rushden and in the process moved ten points clear of 'fax. Carlisle remain 12 points above the Shaymen and now have a whopping three games in hand. Picture from News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk |
