36-year-old Preece was player-manager of Bury last season and helped them to reach the play-offs, scoring two goals at Brunton Park in November last year to help clinch a 2-1 victory. However this season things haven't worked out as well and Preece left the Shakers earlier this week. He notched six goals this term prior to his release. Preece joined Bury prior to the 1998-99 season and became manager six months later when Neil Warnock quit to take over at Sheffield United. He is a well travelled player with over 450 appearances for Northampton, Worcester City, Wrexham, Stockport, Crystal Palace and Blackpool before his switch to Gigg Lane. His career league goals tally stands at 115. However his planned debut tomorrow against Torquay at Brunton Park is now in doubt over a registration mix-up with his previous club. United are hopeful that the Football League will clear him to play. 17-year-old prodigy Fryatt has been allowed to come to Cumbria for a month on loan to give him first team experience. The Saddlers gave him a professional contract at the end of last term after just one year as a YTS player. He has scored eight goals in 11 reserve matches and has made two senior appearances for Colin Lee's side. Many supporters regard him as Walsall's best young prospect. There was less good news for manager Paul Simpson when Walsall's midfielder Stefan Oakes turned down a 1-month loan move to United. Courtenay considers future United chairman John Courtenay will discuss his future with the Board at Brunton Park tomorrow after being found guilty of threatening behaviour at Gainsborough Magistrates Court yesterday. Today he and co-defendant Richie Foran were sentenced to 150 hours and 200 hours community service respectively. The incident occurred at Lincoln City early last season when Courtenay and Foran clashed with a group of stewards just before the Cumbrians pulled off a 1-0 victory at Sincil Bank. Picture from News & Star |
