Smeltz Seals Turkish Move

Shane Smeltz finally completed his Turkish move before the international transfer window closed overnight. He has signed a two year deal with Turkish Super League club Genclerbirligi. You can even watch a Turkish press conference here if you don't believe it.

Wood, Fallon Staying Put - for now

Neither Chris Wood nor Rory Fallon emerged on any transfer or loan lists before the transfer window closed overnight. Wood had been linked to several Championships sides, most recently Derby, but there was late speculation that injuries at WBA (which saw Wood make an appearance against Liverpool on the weekend) have once again discouraged the Baggies from letting him go, just yet. Although the transfer window does not open again until the new year, there is an emergency loan window that opends up next week. This allows for players to be loaned within England for up to 93 days. So, its possible the 18 year old All White may still move to a side he can expect regular first team football. In the meantime, he has to do the best he can with the opportunities he gets in the EPL. By all accounts he acquitted himself well in his short cameo at Anfield, holding the ball up well and winning the physical battles.

Rory Fallon is also staying put at Plymouth for the moment. He for one should be looking forward to the upcoming All Whites friendlies, having been both injured and out of favour at Home Park.

Reserve Double for Wood as Derby Close On Loan Deal

Chris Wood did his marketability no harm last night, backing up his Anfield cameo with two goals for West Brom's reserves in their 3-3 draw with Blackburn reserves on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Guardian reckons its now a straight contest between Derby and Barnsley to secure Wood on a loan deal.

Trial Extension for Chettleburgh in Holland

Cory Chettleburgh is apparently on trial with Division 2 Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam. It has been reported that the 19 year old Manawatu midfielder has been granted some extra time to convince the club he is a worthy signing.

8 Minutes for Wood at Anfield

Chris Wood was thrown into the Anfield cauldron with eight minutes to play of West Brom's 1 nil loss to Liverpool. He was a late inclusion in the squad after Roman Bednar picked up an injury during the warm up. Unfortunately for the Baggies who put in a gutsy display, the sending off of James Morrison shortly after Wood's arrival left them having to chase the game with ten men in the dying stages. No heroics from Wood today, who replaced new signing Marc-Antoine Fortune, but a sign the Manager has confidence in the young All White.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reckons Derby has emerged as favourite to secure Wood on loan.

Injured Reid Misses Old Trafford Loss

An injured Winston Reid missed the chance to play against Man United at Old Trafford on Saturday. Unfortunately for Reid's new West Ham club, they were comfortably beaten 3 nil by The Reds - and now sit bottom of the EPL, pointless after 3 matches. It does not sound like Reid's injury is too serious, Manager Avram Grant explaining to the West Ham club website that he had not recovered from an injury early enough to be risked with a long season ahead for the Hammers.

Ryan Nelsen had a header saved off on the line early in Blackburn's clash with Arsenal. Otherwise, he had a busy day defending against Arsenal's slick attacking machine and couldn't stop his side slipping to a 2-1 home defeat. Chris Wood's West Brom are away to Liverpool tonight - although the All White striker is not expected to be in the squad despite scoring in his Carling Cup appearance mid-week.

Tommy Smith's Ipswich continued their super start to the Championship season with a solid 2 nil home win against Bristal City. A first clean sheet for Smith who is fast cementing himself as an Ipswich regular having played every minute of their league season so far. Ipswich sit third in the league now, only goal difference from top spot.

Rory Fallon was apparently left out of the Plymouth Argyle side on account of a groin injury. Perhaps it was just as well. The Pilgrims got flogged 3 nil at home by Peterborough in League 1. The Home Park fans will have to blame somebody else this week.

Finally, Kris Bright was not involved in the Shrewsbury Town's impressive 4 nil win away to Stockport County, having only just recovered from injury. He will now have the challenge of breaking back into a winning side. The Shrews are 3 from 4 and second in League 2.

Derby, Scunthorpe Join List of Wood Suitors

UK media are reporting that both Derby and Scunthorpe have joined the list of Championship clubs hoping to secure Chris Wood on loan from West Brom. With West Brom having just signed Marc-Antoine Fortune from Celtic only a week after bringing Peter Odimwignie from Locomotiv Moscow, the strikers' bench is getting pretty congested at the Hawthorns. Wood's opportunities are going to be limited in the short term without going out on loan.

Barbarouses Wins It

Kosta Barbarouses enjoyed a special night scoring the only goal in Brisbane's 1 nil win over his old club the Wellington Phoenix. After playing a delicate one-two with Matt Mckay, Barbarouses measued a fine finish into the bottom right corner past an advancting Mark Paston with about 20 minutes left to play at SunCorp Stadium. Barbarouses had a busy evening, sliding across the park constantly in attack and harrying the Phoenix defence at every chance. His game was not without mistakes, but he was dangerous throughout. If he is able to improve his percentages and accuracy to support his instinctive talent he could become a very good player.

It was a deserved win for Brisbane who played the more attractive football and created the best of the chances.

Rare Start for Oughton in CONCACAF Champions League

Former All White midfielder Duncan Oughton was given a rare start for Columbus Crew in their 1 nil CONCACAF Champions League loss to Mexican powerhouse club Santos overnight. Oughton, who has played nearly 140 matches for the Crew in his MLS career played the full match, having been used only as a substitute so far in Columbus' season. After two matches, Columbus now have a win and a loss and sit second in their pool, with the first two sides progressing to the knock out phase of the competition. The CONCACAF tournament has been a tough nut for MLS sides to crack. In fact, the last MLS team to lift the trophy was LA Galaxy in 2000, a team whose MVP that year happened to be veteran All White midfielder Simon Elliott.

Barbarouses with Point to Make

Kosta Barbarouses has no shortage of motivation when his Brisbane Roar side host the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night. After rarely featuring in Ricki Herbert's Phoenix line up during his time at the club and having been left out of the All Whites World Cup squad by the same manager, Barbarouses will be itching to make a big impact against his former teammates.

Since arriving in Queensland, the Wellingtonian striker has been a key member of Ange Postecoglou's young Brisbane side - a side that has started the new A-League season with a lot of promise, playing a very high tempo, fluid style of football. Barbarouses scored several confidence-boosting goals pre-season, including one against visiting EPL side Everton, and also had a very strong opening season match against Gold Coast United. Last week he was not as prominent, but Brisbane still picked up a very convincing win over champions Sydney FC.

Playing at the point of the attack and preferred so far over Brazillian Heinaldo, Barbarouses has made up for his lack of size with great mobility and workrate. His incisive passing and link play, along with a relentless hounding of opposition defenders has been a feature of his game so far this season. And he will be looking to give Ben Sigmund and Andrew Durante a similarly hard time on Friday.

A good performance will go a long way to securing Barbarouses a spot in the All Whites squad to face Honduras and Paraguay in October.

Wood Scores in WBA Carling Cup Win

Chris Wood came off the bench to seal the Baggies a second round Carling Cup win away to Leyton Orient. The final score was two nil. Good news for the young All White as he makes his case for either more first team opportunities or a good loan deal.

Match report and description of Wood's goal here (see last para). We will post a video link if one can be found. Apparently it was a cracker.

Wood to Feature in Carling Cup but Loan Delayed

Chris Wood will get plenty of football in tonight's carling cup match against Leyton Orient but boss Roberto Di Matteo has once again reiterated that he will need to sign another striker before the youngster will be allowed to go out on loan.

The manager has admitted that Wood may have already gone if Ishmael Miller had not picked up an injury and with several clubs showing interest in him, tonight could be a big night for the young striker.

It's clear that everyone at the club is in favour of a loan move for Chris so it's important that he takes this opportunity to impress. Playing regular football and scoring goals is the next step in his development into a premiership striker. A move to one of the more progressive Championship teams would be great for fans but he may prefer to spend time in League 1, or even overseas, where the standard may be a little lower and opportunities present themselves a little more frequently and he has the chance to develop his goal scoring instincts.

Smeltz Travels to Europe to Talk Turkey

Shane Smeltz has travelled to Turkey for talks on a move to Genclerbirligi .

FourFourTwo are reporting that the clubs have agreed a deal in principal and Smeltz has gone to Ankara to discuss personal terms and possibly put pen to paper on a deal.

This seems like a far better move for Smeltz than his aborted China switch but after Danny Vukovich had his contract torn up recently in Turkey, players and agents may be more wary of signing for clubs in the Turkish Super League.

Genclerbirligi have started the season with two draws and currently have on the books Australian International Mile Jedinak.

I'll avoid the obligatory reference to Shane's wife in any of this...but it is important to note that the deal has only been agreed between the clubs in principle and there are suggestions that Smeltz is not the no.1 target.

Smith Keeps Place in Tractor Boys Victory

Tommy Smith was the only victorious British Kiwi playing another cool hand in maintaining Ipswich's unbeaten start. Keane's men won away at Palace 2-1 in what was an emotional day for the home side in their first match since coming out of administration.

Smith has started the season in terrific form and has looked every inch a Championship regular. There have been whispers that he will be "injured" for the home internationals next month no matter what the situation which would be a shame for us. But his form has marked him out as the future of the All Whites back line, and while he qualifies as a home grown for the Premiership he may find the spotlight falling on him sooner rather than later.

Kiwis Struggle in Britain

The weekend's football action didn't flatter those kiwis who made the pitch, only those who didn't take the field improved their respective reputations.

Winston Reid was a second half substitute for a West Ham side who continued their terrible defensive performances and was unable to improve matters as they went down 3-1 to Bolton at home.

Ryan Nelsen had a typically composed 90 minutes but Blackburn were unable to beat Birmingham stopper Ben Foster, who was inspired, and lost 2-1.

Chris Wood didn't make the squad at West Brom where new signing Odemwingie scored and will be eyeing up a late window loan move.

Rory Fallon received some respite from his recent travails by missing Plymouth's squad through injury.

Steven Old was an unused substitute for Kilmarnock who fell to a 1-0 defeat, their second of the season, at home to Motherwell.

Saturday came too soon for Kris Bright whose Shrews drew 1-1 with Aldershot. Bright didn't make the match day squad.

A pretty uninspiring weekend for the Kiwis - at least their club managers won't mind them heading home for the two Internationals next month. At this rate they won't be missed.

Fallon Rejects Rotherham Bid, Injured

The Plymouth Herald continues to follow the saga of Rory Fallon, today revealing that the big All White has rejected the option of moving to Rotherham in League 2, with his Plymouth Manager Peter Reid apparently happy to let him go. "I asked him did he want to go and he said 'no'. Unless anything changes, I expect the boy to do his best for us."

There is a rumour that Fallon's former club, Championship side Swansea City, may be interested - but Fallon's current options don't appear rich right now.

And the news doesn't get any better for Fallon. He's picked up a groin injury and will not make the Pilgrims trip to Walsall this weekend.

Christie Still Hampered by Injury

Jeremy Christie is struggling to shake off a groin injury he picked up after returning to his FC Tampa Bay  club after the World Cup. After missing several weeks of football, Christie had been expected to be back in contention for tonight's important match at home to Vancouver. Unfortunately, it has now been reported by TampaBay.com that Christie will not be in the squad.

It is an important match for the "Rowdies", who sit in the eighth and last play-off spot in the US second football tier (the USSF D2). However, with 6 of their 8 remaining games at home, they are still a decent chance of playing post-season football.

Fallon Plymouth Departure Brewing

Overnight it was reported that Rotherham United Manager Ronnie Moore has spoken with Plymouth gaffer Peter Reid about taking Rory Fallon away from Home Park. According to Moore "It would be nice to have somebody like him with all his experience."

At this stage however it seems - fortunately (and no disrespect to League 2's Rotherham) there may be some other clubs interested in securing the Kiwi target man. "There's a bit of interest from First Division [League 1] clubs and a Championship club ... but  to be honest, Fallon's on decent money and if these other clubs do come in for him we havent a chance."

Whether the Rotherham approach has any real wheels, it seems increasingly clear that Fallon is on the market as far as Plymouth is concerned and if somebody is prepared to take his wages off Peter Reid's hands he is a good chance to go. Furthermore, with the Plymouth Herald continuing to report that Reid's number one priority is to bring another striker to the club and with Fallon unlikely to make the team for the weekend after featuring in the Reserves 4 nil loss midweek, the reasons for Fallon to stay are also diminishing it would seem.

Odemwingie Arrival Likely to Trigger Wood Loan

West Bromich Albion this week confirmed the signing of Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie from Locomotiv Moscow on a three year deal, after a prolonged search for a proven goalscorer. This probably means Manager Roberto Di Matteo will now look to release young All White striker Chris Wood on loan to make sure he gets some regular first team football (he had been reluctant to do so until his striking stocks were strengthened). Wood was not in the WBA squad that got hammered 6 zip by Chelsea on the weekend.

18 year old Wood had previously been linked to several suitor League 1 and Championship clubs, with Barnsley the apparent frontrunners to secure him on a loan deal.

Bright Set for First Shrews Appearance

Kris Bright is set to start his first match of the season for Shrewbury Town in a Reserves fixture at Bury. Bright finished last season well with a good run in the team but has been recovering from off season shoulder surgery and is yet to make an appearance this term. Making an early impression will be important as the Shrews have made a good start and sit top of League 2.

Updated: Bright picked up a goal for the Reserves overnight in their 3-1 win over Bury

Fallon Faces Uncertain Plymouth Future

The Plymouth Herald has today run a story suggesting that Plymouth Manager Peter Reid's top priority is to sign a new striker - as goalscoring has been a problem for the club in recent seasons. Remember, that's Rory's job.

On top of that it's reported that Reid needs to lose a few players to reduce an unhealthy wage bill, going on to say that "Fallon's future is far from certain, especially after his substitution in the first half of the Pilgrims' 1-1 draw with Carlisle United at Home Park on Saturday." Fallon was a record signing for Plymouth when he first arrived and is presumably paid one of the club's most expensive salaries. I am not certain when his contract is up but I believe it's for at least this season.

Meanwhile, Fallon's reserve team appearance doesn't sound like it has made life any easier for the big man. They got humped 4 nil. He got 90 minutes. Let's hope he's better for the time on the pitch.

Winston Backed by Manager

Manager Avram Grant has backed Winston Reid after a tough debut in the English top flight on Saturday and acknowledged that the youngster was played out of position.

"Winston Reid was good for his first game. He did not play in his position because he is centre-half but for a first performance in the Premier League he was good. He will be a very good player."

It's hard not to feel a little sorry for Reid who really was thrown in the deep end on Saturday. Debuting in one of the strongest leagues in the world away from home after a couple of weeks training will always be difficult, but slotting into a team with a new manager and a number of new players when you haven't made one appearance in pre-season and then being played out of position does raise some questions about the manager's judgement.

Reid did finish the match in the centre of defence, let's hope that he's given more opportunities in his favoured position.

Rory to Line up for Reserves

Rory Fallon has an immediate chance to make up for Saturday's poor performance (where he was dragged after 37 minutes) when he turns out for Plymouth's reserves tonight against Swindon. Manager Peter Reid has stated that Fallon retains his confidence and that Rory has the attributes to lead the line, but needs to improve his fitness and can only do that by playing more matches. By all accounts Fallon has been receiving terrible stick from the home fans at Home Park but Reid has denied that the crowd's reaction forced him to change anything.

The big man really can't seem to stay out of the news! Fallon will inevitably be behind his team mates physically after the World Cup but he needs to add more to his game than pure aerial ability if he is to justify a place in the Plymouth front line.

No Fifa Window For Fallon

Relegation just got even more niggly for Rory Fallon. While the Premier League and Championship competitions - in which All Whites Ryan Nelsen, Chris Wood, Winston Reid and Tommy Smith are involved - both observe Fifa's international windows, there will be no such break for Rory Fallon's League 1 Plymouth Argyle. The obvious reason being that not so many international footballers ply their trade in English football's third tier (although there are more than you might expect).

So, on October 9, when the All Whites step out against Honduras at North Harbour stadium the Pilgrims will be getting set to host Charlton Athletic (also set for October 9). Given Fallon has lost the confidence of many Plymouth fans after a lack of goals and seems set for a tough battle trying to hold onto a starting position (after being subbed in the 37th minute last week) this club versus country clash isn't going to be particularly welcome.

While Fallon should be able to get back for the following fixture against Nott County (16 October), it is quite likely he will be overlooked for a start given the travel involved in getting back to the UK after the Paraguay fixture in Wellington on the 12th (a problem he will share with other British-based All Whites).

Admiral Nelsen No Longer

Anyone with a keen enough eye watching the EPL highlights last night might have noticed Ryan Nelsen did not lead Blackburn Rovers onto the field against Everton. That honour and the captain's armband were entrusted to fellow centre-back Chris Samba (although according to the club website, Nelsen retains the club captaincy "off the field", whatever that involves?).

Apparently, Nelsen told an audience in Wellington last year that he had approached Manager Allardyce and suggested the club develops some new leadership talent. Samba is only 26. Blackburn will be hoping he sticks around a long time yet.

Another Winner for Killen

Chris Killen scored his 2nd winner in three games overnight, as his new Chinese club Shenzen Ruby FC overcame Nanchang Bayi. Here's a video of the goal (see menu on right hand side). Good header. Shenzen sit 9th in the Chinese Super League.

And I quite enjoyed this story in yesterday's Herald about life in Shenzen.

Tough EPL Debut for Reid

Winston Reid started his first Premier League match overnight, but was given a torrid time out of position at right back. He was not the only Hammer to have a tough night against a rampant Aston Villa, who ran out convincing 3 nil winners. Reid and teammates will be looking forward to getting back to East London. Highlights here.

Meanwhile, Ryan Nelsen marshalled his Blackburn defense to a clean sheet and valuable 1 nil win over Everton (highlights). Chris Wood was not in the West Brom squad that got spanked 6 nil at Chelsea.

Tommy Smith's Ipswich were held 1-1 by Burnley at Portman Road. Plymouth Argyle had the same result at home to Carlisle, but Rory Fallon was subbed in the 37th minute (and he wasn't injured). The man who replaced him found Plymouth's equaliser so Fallon could be in for a difficult period on the south coast.

Reid in Squad to Face Villa

Winston Reid has been handed the number 2 shirt by manager Avram Grant and is in line for selection for tomorrow's match against managerless Aston Villa.

Although he is yet to turn out for the East London club in pre-season, there are murmurs that Reid may start the match, possibly in the unfamiliar right back position (although that would mean displacing Valon Behrami, the Swiss Beckham, who can also play further forward and Julian Faubert). If that did eventuate he would be likely to be facing the pacy Ashley Young, fresh from an England call up on Wednesday. Reid has apparently impressed in the short time he has had in training at West Ham but will have to unseat James Tomkins, Tal Ben-Haim or Manuel Da Costa to partner senior man Matthew Upson in the centre of defence. A place on the bench is probably more likely.

Let's hope for an immediate impact for him and his new club.

Friday Night Goals for Smeltz, Brockie

Jeremy Brockie scored his first goal for new club Newcastle Jets, but a late Ben Kantarovski own goal saw the Jets share the points with Melbourne Heart. Cutting back in off the right wing, Brockie's well weighted first touch set up a left foot finish past Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton (highlights here). Back in the starting line up after recovering from a calf injury, its a great start to the season for the All Whites winger. I am a big fan of Brockie. He is one of New Zealand's best technical footballers. But his tendency to drift in and out of matches and in and out of form can be frustrating. Let's hope with injury behind him he can kick on and have the big year his talent warrants.

Brockie's was the third Kiwi goal of the night, with Shane Smeltz grabbing two against his old club in Wellington. A powerful first half header was followed by a more regulation six yard finish mid way through the second half (and could have had a third if not for the inside of the post). His two goals helped Gold Coast grab their first point off the Phoenix, recovering from a two goal deficit to earn a well warranted 3 all draw. So its back to business for the prolific Smeltz, who got plenty of stick from the local crowd but took it all in good nature. Highlights and goals here.

Fallon Struggles in Plymouth Defeat

Rory Fallon was substituted after a poor 75 minutes in Plymouth's League Cup defeat to newly promoted Notts County at home on Monday. After sticking with the League 1 club after the World Cup, Fallon has started both competitive fixtures this season but Monday's effort did not match Saturday's televised performance in the South Coast derby with Southampton where he contributed to the only goal of the game with a back post knock down (see here).

Fallon retains the manager's confidence but could do with some eye catching performances, and goals, to get the home fans back on side who are still not entirely convinced of Rory's ability. Fallon was reportedly jeered as he left the pitch and it will be interesting to see whether he is selected for Plymouth's next match, which is at home to Carlisle on Saturday.

Keane Concerned About Smith's Lack of Rest

Ipswich Town Manager Roy Keane yesterday told twtd.co.uk he was concerned about Tommy Smith's "lack of rest", with the Championship season beginning so soon after the World Cup. "Tommy might end up getting injuries in October or November on the heavy pitches because he hasn’t had a proper break.. " And that was BEFORE NZ Football announced the All Whites are going to play TWO games in October!

There are going to be some grumpy British managers opening official release requests from NZ Football in the next few days.

No Offers for Smeltz Says GCU

According to 442, Gold Coast United today stated there have been no approaches for Shane Smeltz's services from other clubs since his return from China. Of course, that doesn't mean there has been no interest in Smeltz or even conversations with his agent. But, it does look like the All White striker is staying put for the meantime. He can look forward to a rowdy welcome at the Ring of Fire this Friday night then.

Draper Signs with Basingstoke

Greg Draper is now reported to have signed (subject to international clearance) with Basingstoke Town in England's Blue Square South competition. Basingstoke's first league match is away to Chelmsford City this weekend, but with the former Phoenix squad member apparently short of match fitness he seems unlikely to feature.

Grant Still Considering Reid for Villa Clash

According to West Ham Manager Avram Grant, despite playing no part in pre-season Winston Reid is still in the reckoning for the Hammers season opener away to Aston Villa. Reported here. That would be huge.

History for Gleeson and Wilkinson in US

Young Jake Gleeson and former All White Gavin Wilkinson have created history with their Portland Timbers U23 side. Goalkeeper Gleeson and Coach Wilkinson have just won the USL Premier Development League title, and became the first team to ever do so with a perfect record (20-0-0) when they defeated the Thunder Bay Chill 4-1 in the championship match on Saturday.

The USL Premier Development League is considered the top amateur competion in the US and a shop window for MLS franchises. Following his naming in the Western All-Conference U-23 team after a standout season for the Timbers, Gleeson is really making a name for himself in the US. At only 20, he has a big future ahead of him.

Wood Caught in No-Man's Land

Teenage All White striker Chris Wood was an unused sub in West Brom's 1-1 friendly against  Osasuna overnight, and appears to be caught in a frustrating situation at The Hawthorns. The 2009/10 WBA Young Player of the Year has outgrown Reserve and Academy team football, and after a handful of cameos for West Brom's first team last season and an impressive World Cup he is ready for regular first team football.

WBA manager Roberto Di Matteo is a big fan of the 18 year old striker, but - not surprisingly - is reluctant to throw him into the Premier League cauldron just yet. It looked very much like Wood would be loaned out this season, with a number of League 1 and Championship sides very interested in securing his services. Barnsley seemed the frontrunners, with Wood and his agent apparently spotted in the stands at one of their pre-season matches.

Unfortunately, injuries within the WBA squad and a failure to bring any new strikers to the club during the off-season have left Di Matteo nervous about letting Wood go, as he has told the media a couple of weeks back. Presently, Wood sits about 4th in the WBA striking hierarchy behind the likes of Roman Bednar, Ishmael Miller and Simon Cox. But with WBA expected to play with only one striker in the Premier League Wood may be battling for game time.

Of course, not a disaster to have this sort of conundrum at 18 years old!

Smith Scores in Ipswich Upset

Tommy Smith had a dream start to his new season, helping Ipswich to an impressive win away to Middlesbrough. Smith levelled the scores at 1-1 early in the second half before the Tractor Boys went on to complete a comprehensive 3-1 win. You can view Tommy's goal here.

Rory Fallon also enjoyed a winning start to his season as his League 1 outfit Plymouth overcame Southampton 1 nil at the Dell.

UPDATED - See Fallon's key contribution to the winning goal here.

Tommy Smith Set to Start Tough Season Opener

While his young All White defensive partner Winston Reid has been making all the headlines with his big money move to West Ham, Tommy Smith also has a big season lying in wait for Ipwich Town in the Championship. Smith looks to have secured one of the centre-back starting spots for the Tractor Boys. A combination of his World Cup form ("I thought he played reasonably well" were the generous words of his manager Roy Keane) and an injury to experienced Irish centre back Damien Delaney have swung wide a door that Smith had begun to prize open last season. Play well and he can cement himself as a starting centre-back in the Championship at only 20 years. First up he has a tough assignment away to expected title contender Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Meanwhile in League 1, Rory Fallon is expected to lead the line in Plymouth's big south coast derby against Southampton over the weekend.

Draper to Basingstoke?

Once All White and Phoenix striker Greg Draper, who has been trialling in the UK after scoring 10 goals for Team Wellington in last season's NZFC, may be about to sign with English Conference side Basingstoke Town, according to local media (Basingstoke Gazette).

Kiwi Showdown Looms on Gold Coast

Kosta Barbarouses will look to upstage compatriot and A-League star Shane Smeltz when their two clubs, Brisbane and Gold Coast, meet in Round 1 of the A-League this Sunday at Skilled Park. Barbarouses has enjoyed a very promising pre-season at his new club, including a quality finish against Everton. He will have new Gold Coast keeper, and fellow Kiwi, Glen Moss in his sights. Here is 442's match preview.

Keat Follows Henderson to Sweden

Wellingtonian age-group All White Dan Keat is currently on trial at Mjällby AIF, the same club that signed Kiwi mid-fielder Craig Henderson six months ago. Reported here in Swedish media.

Reid Hammers Out Deal

No longer a rumour, WUFC.co.uk confirms Reid has signed with the Hammers.