BOSSES at a beleaguered football club have vowed to fight on until at least the weekend – but its social club is to close.
Bailiffs were called in to struggling Hucknall Town FC on Friday after the club failed to pay a large tax bill.
The club has been beset by financial problems for several months, but, following an emergency committee meeting last night, the club's chief executive said it would continue.
In a statement, Steve Peat said: "The football club still exists and will fulfil its Saturday away fixture at Coalville."
But Mr Peat could not give any assurances about the club's future beyond that date.
He said: "We have to remain positive.
"We are going to play from day to day. We are fighting to keep going for the rest of the season."
Interim first team manager Darren Kelk, said: "In the shorter term, the plan is to get this season out of the way and achieve stability within the team."
The Post has previously reported that the club owed around £87,000 to the taxman.
Last night, Mr Peat said the debt was "not anywhere as bad as that" but said he could not say how big it was.
He said the club's books would be sent off to a financial adviser to help find a solution.
Among those waiting for news outside last night's meeting at the clubhouse were representatives of Hucknall Town Harriers, who play at Hucknall Town's ground.
A spokesman for the club said: "We have about 60 kids play for us and we can't give them any assurance that they'll have somewhere to play beyond the weekend."
In his statement, Mr Peat also said the Talk of the Town social club on the site would cease to operate from today.
The news was met with disappointment from a group of former miners from the former Linby Colliery who were meant to be holding a reunion there in March.
Terry Werle , 76, of Addison Drive, Hucknall, said: "We were due to hold our reunion on March 22, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the pit closure.
"We've already sold more than 60 tickets."
The Post has reported that the financial problems meant the club has been unable to pay players.
It is at the bottom of the Evo-stik First Division South and hit a new low on New Year's Day, fielding only eight players and losing 13-0 to Loughborough Dynamo.
Five managers have left the club in the past year.
Anyone who has made bookings at the Talk of the Town is advised to call 07414 111 810.
WORKERS from a bus company set to go into administration have been told their wages will be paid.
Premiere Travel stopped operating at 5pm on Friday after a buyer could not be found.
At a meeting yesterday between employees of Premiere, accountancy and business advice firm RSM Tenon and Jobcentre Plus staff, the 200 workers were told that the Redundancy Payments Office, a Government body which ensures people are paid when companies get into trouble, would cover wages and holiday pay.
Meadow Lane-based Premiere has had most of its routes taken over by other firms.
RSM Tenon worked with Premiere and other parties to try to find a buyer for the company.
Paul Finnity, of RSM Tenon, said: "Premiere's assets are being sold through the orderly wind-down process and it is likely that RSM Tenon will be appointed as administrators later this week.
"We are hoping that Premiere employees will be taken on by the companies which take over the routes which Premiere has been running."
He added: "Premiere is a company which over-traded. It expanded quickly and was under-capitalised.
"It was an excellent business but expanded perhaps too rapidly."
Regular passenger John Cooper, 72, lives in a complex for the elderly in Rochester Avenue, Netherfield.
His bus, the 7.2, is one of the few that have not been replaced by other operators.
He said: "It was only every hour but it's been a lifeline for us.
"I don't suppose it is a profit-making route but it is a much-needed one."
The complex is made up of around 50 bungalows and residents are set to face a long walk for a bus.
Mr Cooper added: "We've effectively got to walk all the way to Morrisons.
"It's a fair walk for people there."
Ashley Jones, 21, of Oakington Close, Bestwood, who worked as yard operator for Premiere, said he had been told the wages would take up to six weeks to be paid.
He added: "The fact that it is going to be up to six weeks is a pain. You've just got to roll with it.
"I'm just going to try to look hard and find another job."
John Allen is a pensioner living in Main Street, Radcliffe-on-Soar and his bus service has been taken over by a competitor.
"On Saturday we were told that the 65 wasn't running.
"I'm pleased to hear we've got the bus service back. Without it, there would be nothing in the village.
"It's a skeleton service but there's not many people using it, so we can't expect too much. We are pleased they stepped in."
Detailed plans for a new 250mph rail link between Toton and London have been revealed – but how do people living near the line feel? Alexander Britton reports.
ADAM Higgins is no stranger to having trains pass by his back garden.
Even as I spoke to the 22-year-old outside his home in Bonsall Street, Long Eaton, a goods train went by.
By 2032, the trains running past Mr Higgins's door will be of an entirely different nature, when the new high-speed line between Leeds and Birmingham – and on to London – opens.
But it's a move he welcomes.
"I actually can't see how the new high-speed railway line will be a problem. The trains here just fade into the background and the benefits of the new line will be good," he said.
"Having a link that runs from just up the road to London in less than an hour is bound to be really popular.
"If you look at other countries, we are years behind them when it comes to rail. France, Germany and other places in Europe all have high-speed trains.
"We invented locomotives in this country and yet we seem to be lagging behind, so it will be important to sort this out."
The Department for Transport yesterday revealed the route of the second phase of the high-speed train line – known as HS2. Phase one goes from London to Birmingham, while phase two sees the line split, to go to Manchester and Leeds.
A new station will be built at Toton Sidings, with trains taking just 51 minutes to get to London Euston station and journey times from Nottingham to London reduced from 104 minutes to 68.
People walking through Long Eaton Market Place at lunchtime yesterday appeared to be keen on the plans.
Martin Duro, 28, of Chilwell, said: "It's a good idea, especially if it can bring in some jobs and money to the area."
Lana Hunt, 23, of Breaston, said: "People will want to be able to travel to London quickly and I don't think people will mind the station being in Toton as opposed to somewhere a bit closer – Toton isn't too far away to get to."
And Michael Oliver, 34, of Long Eaton, said: "It looks like a good use of money in the long run."
However, others were concerned about the cost of extending the line to the East Midlands.
Steven Watts, 38, of Long Eaton, said: "It's a lot of money, especially when you consider the state the economy at the moment. Should getting to London a bit quicker be the priority?"
People from Derby Road in Stapleford – only a mile from the proposed new station – appeared keen on the idea of a fast train to London on their doorstep.
Amber Radforth, 20, said: "I can imagine people will want to use it because it will mean getting to London a bit quicker.
"Also, if it can help boost the area, then it's good news."
Andy Shelford, 24, of Stapleford, said: "If the cost of the tickets isn't too high, I can see myself wanting to try it out.
"It's a bit of a coup for Stapleford to have a massive station built here which will take people to London in just an hour.
"A lot of people are concerned about the countryside being destroyed but I don't think the impact will be that bad."
Meanwhile, politicians have praised the plans to build HS2 through Toton Sidings, saying it would give a jobs boost to the area.
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry said: "Using Toton Sidings makes a great deal of sense – it is a large brownfield site, not too far from the M1, with the tram terminus nearby.
"This is a great opportunity, not just for passengers in the constituency to have a high-speed link to London, Birmingham, Sheffield and Leeds but it also provides huge opportunities to raise freight capacity and for jobs and business.
"If Toton Sidings is to be the East Midlands hub, then we need to make sure there is sound connection to the tram, which may include a further link into Erewash."
Councillor Chris Corbett, leader of Erewash Borough Council, said the proposed Toton station should be named "Long Eaton International".
Mr Corbett, who lives in Shilling Way, Long Eaton, said: "I think the line could bring a lot of jobs to the area, not just during construction but afterwards, too."
He said there were some concerns that Long Eaton could become a "commuter town" but they were outweighed by the potential benefits.
Councillor Wayne Major, who represents Sandiacre on Derbyshire County Council, and lives in the village, said his only concern was the possibility of increased traffic.
He said: "I'm sure that will be looked at by planners, so it's not really a negative point.
"But there will be a lot more people coming to Toton because of it.
"Overall, though, I feel this will be a jobs and industry magnet and can only be a good thing for the area."
Toton Sidings was chosen as the site for the new station ahead of Derby's mainline station.
But Derby City Council has said it is prepared to pay tens of millions of pounds to get the station built in Derby.
NOTTS County will be fired up for Portsmouth, says boss Keith Curle.
The Magpies face Pompey at Fratton Park tonight (7.45pm), just three days after they lost away for the first time in 11 months.
And Curle knows his players will bust a gut to win on the south coast, after a bit of a bust-up in the away dressing-room following their 2-1 defeat at Leyton Orient.
"They will pick themselves up and we will be organised and determined," he said.
"I left the players for five minutes after the (Orient) game and I could hear they were upset with each other.
"I don't mind players falling out with each other."
The trip to Portsmouth is the second of four away games in a row.
They face another long trip to Hartlepool United on Saturday and then play Stevenage in a rearranged game at Broadhall Way next Tuesday night.
"A lot of people will say the games haven't fallen well for us, having to travel up and down the country, but I know we will be well supported and the players will be up for it," added Curle.
The Magpies will be boosted by the return of forward Francois Zoko, who has missed their last two games through suspension following his red card in the home draw with Sheffield United.
The Ivorian could be thrown straight back into their attack, after leading-scorer Yoann Arquin drew a blank for the 12th league game on the trot and Enoch Showunmi failed to build on his first goal for the club at Orient.
"We had Yoann and Enoch and they will be disappointed in themselves," said Curle.
"If you create the number of chances that we did you have got to make the goalkeeper work more.
"We just needed that little bit extra in the final-third, which we didn't have.
"We put enough balls in there and made enough entries into the final-third, but we did not work their goalkeeper enough."
MORE than 60,000 people are expected to turn out to salute the Armed Forces when Nottingham steps into the national spotlight later this year.
The city has been chosen to host Armed Forces Day – and the Sheriff of Nottingham hopes we can top the crowds drawn to last year's celebrations in Plymouth.
Councillor Merlita Bryan said: "It will be a special day, a real show of how proud Nottingham is of the Armed Forces.
"I'm sure that Nottingham will get behind our armed forces and show our support for them."
Plans for a programme of events and activities at Victoria Embankment on June 29 were announced yesterday. They include a parade of Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, joined by veterans and military bands, displays and demonstrations.
Lance Corporal Sterling Hall, 24, from Arnold ,who serves with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Portsmouth, said: "It would make me feel proud of Nottingham and make what I'm doing seem a bit more worthwhile.
"Events like this don't have to be done but it's nice that Nottingham is hosting it."
Mr Hall, who served in Afghanistan in 2009-10, attended the Plymouth event last year, which drew crowds of 60,000, and added: "It would be nice if Nottingham could outdo Plymouth as well."
The news came as city and county councils signed a covenant pledging support for the military and their families.
The county boasts more than 2,000 service personnel, with Chetwynd Barracks at Chilwell, HMS Sherwood in Beechdale, seven TA centres and more than 50 cadet sea, air and army units.
Vicki Holmes, mother of Kieron Hill, from Clifton, who died, aged 20, in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2009, said: "It will be amazing. People need to see what the armed forces do. I think it's always good to see events like this supporting the Armed Forces."
Armed Forces Day will be the culmination of a week-long celebration, during which thousands of men and women of the reserve forces will put on their military uniforms for their day jobs.
Plans for the fifth national event were unveiled yesterday at County Hall.
County council chairman Councillor Carol Pepper said: "Whether it's organising school places for Forces children, providing support to our employees who are reservists, or marking local and national events to acknowledge the contribution of the Armed Forces – we are committed to providing all the help we can."
Brigadier Harry Nickerson, Commander 49 (East) Brigade, said Armed Forces Day was "yet another sign of the Forces' enduring relationship with the people of Nottingham".
AMID a brutal, honest assessment of his side's performance on Saturday evening, one comment from Alex McLeish drew more attention than any other.
Amid some cutting criticisms of his players, it was little more than a passing comment when he said: "I felt, tactically, we were fine."
These six simple words were greeted, on the internet, like the ramblings of a madman.
But, to a degree, McLeish had a valid point. There was a logic to his team selection.
This was, after all the same line-up that had tormented Derby County in the final 20 minutes at Pride Park.
Against the Rams, after Dexter Blackstock had been introduced as a substitute, Forest looked dangerous with both Billy Sharp and Simon Cox trying to pick up the pieces off him.
While, at the back, asides from the moment Simon Gillett uncharacteristically gave away possession to Connor Sammon, Forest's defence had looked more than solid.
And, against a Watford side that like to play fluid football – just as Derby do on home turf – McLeish probably hoped for more of the same, when he gave the same group another chance to impress.
He will also have been hoping for more of the same in the sense that the formation is the one that has been most successful for the Reds this season.
There were several reasons behind Forest's dismal, disappointing defeat – and McLeish, as manager, will ultimately have to take responsibility for every single one of them.
But the choice of tactics and even team selection would be a long way down that particular, gloomy, disconcerting list of what went wrong.
Right at the top would be a shocking, previously unforeseen level of fragility in a back four that, while recently finding clean sheets hard to come by, had not been in the habit of handing the opposition goals on a plate on a regular basis.
And it would be closely followed by the failure of that attacking trio to show anything like the same level of attacking menace and cutting edge as they had done during a one-sided finale at the other end of the A52.
Between now and Saturday, when McLeish takes his side to the familiar surroundings of St Andrews, his task is exactly the same as the one faced by his predecessor. And that is to rid Forest of the inconsistency that has dogged them all season.
But, once the players cross the white line, it is also their responsibility to ensure that they perform.
McLeish can arm them with a plan; with a tactical approach. That is his responsibility; his job.
But it is also down to the players to fulfil their side of the bargain, once they step out on to the pitch.
AMID a summer of considerable activity at Nottingham Forest, the arrival of one man stood out.
While seven-figure sums were splashed out to sign Simon Cox, Henri Lansbury and Adlene Guedioura, there was a different kind of significance attached to another signing.
And that was the plain, simple fact that Dan Harding was the first left-back signed by the Reds since January 2006.
In comparison to some of the big money signings, Harding almost crept in through the back door. But it was still a landmark moment for the club.
Because Harding was the first permanent left-back at the club since that previous capture, Julian Bennett, had subsequently departed, initially on loan, in the summer of 2010.
From the moment Bennett collected a serious knee injury on Boxing Day in 2008, Forest had to rely on loan signings – albeit some very, very good ones – to fill the void.
But now, while there is no issue at left-back, there is still a lingering void in the squad.
Following a summer of intense activity and a reasonably positive start to the campaign, it may have gone unnoticed.
But Forest do not possess a natural right-sided winger. There is a new hole in the squad.
Which is why signing Birmingham City's Chris Burke must be the absolute priority for Forest between now and the end of the transfer window.
Almost regardless of what other irons Forest may have in the fire, that is the position they need to fill.
And Burke ticks all the boxes.
He is a player Alex McLeish knows well. He has played for two successful Championship clubs, in Cardiff City and Birmingham.
And best of all, Forest should not have to break the bank to get him, because he is out of contract in the summer.
Birmingham need to raise money quickly, to address growing financial problems at St Andrews.
And, if they do not reach a deal to sell him, they risk losing him for nothing in the summer, when he could walk away on a Bosman free transfer.
So you would not imagine that Forest will not have to up the ante too much to get the deal done.
Now they have made a second bid, they should hopefully get the 29-year-old Scotsman on board, in time to face his former club on Saturday.
Presuming the player is keen on the move, it is something that would work in everyone's favour.
In July and August, the Al Hasawis, it must be remembered, gave a significant demonstration of their intent.
Yes, around £2.5m was generated by the sale of Chris Gunter to Reading.
But Forest will have shelled out in excess of £4m, when you consider that fees were also paid for Harding and Danny Collins.
Forest are also committed to paying large portions – or in many cases all – of the Premier League wages of their loan signings, such as Billy Sharp, Daniel Ayala, Elliott Ward and Gonzalo Jara.
And Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton will not have come cheaply, when they made loan moves to the City Ground previously.
But, having gone that far, having provided that level of backing already, that extra little push could now make all the difference.
McLeish, on Saturday, spoke about wanting between three and five new additions during this window. Darius Henderson will have accounted for one of those, when he arrived from Millwall on Thursday.
A left-sided defender who can play either at full-back or in the centre remains on the manager's shopping list.
As does a player who can inject a little pace to a Forest squad that, while full of quality, does not include anyone with a searing turn of heel.
While George Boyd, Peterborough's roaming attacking midfielder, is also still a target.
But that right-wing position has to be the priority, whether it is Burke or not who comes in to fill the latest void in the Forest ranks.
Rumours linking Forest with Nabil El-Zhar, Levante's former Liverpool winger, do not have any foundation.
But, having provided the club hierarchy with his list of targets, McLeish will be as eager as anyone to see what deals Forest can push over the finishing line.
Without a right winger, unless he plays somebody out of position, which has been the gripe of many a former manager, McLeish will be limited in the formations he can field.
Forest have, periodically, looked very strong with Simon Gillett sat in front of the back four and Radi Majewski at the head of the diamond.
But that also leaves Forest lacking width, unless the full-backs demonstrate their attacking ambition.
And, when Plan A does not work, McLeish does not currently have too many options.
Forest are not comfortable with a three-man central defence, as they have shown more than once this season.
And, although Chris Cohen has done well in the position, they can find themselves lacking balance when they attempt an orthodox 4-4-2 with a central midfielder in a wide position.
But, most of all, having assembled one of the strongest front-lines in the Championship, with Sharp, Cox, Henderson and Dexter Blackstock likely to walk into many other Championship sides, they need somebody to provide the ammunition.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony claimed that Forest had made a second bid for Boyd this week – and accused them of trying to buy a Bentley for the price of a Lada.
To borrow that analogy, with the strikers Forest possess, they already have a Ferrari.
If they get a deal done for Burke, he can provide the petrol to make it roar.
Flood warnings have been issued for the River Trent at Sawley Marina and Sawley lock.
The B6540 Tamworth Road at Sawley also remains at risk of flooding.
River levels are currently steady but further rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours.
Rain is forecast for Tuesday afternoon and will become heavier in the early hours of Wednesday morning from midnight through to around 9.00 am.
FIREFIGHTERS have this morning being tackling a blaze in the city centre.
Four engines from Central, Arnold and Carlton fire stations attended the incident at the Bowman Telephone Exchange in Bath Street, at about 10.50am.
A Notts Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the small electrical fire had been caused by an overheated lift motor.
No one was injured.
The last crews left the incident at about 11.50am.
MANSFIELD Town's match at Hereford tonight has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch following a pitch inspection this afternoon.
The covers had been on at Edgar Street and volunteers had helped clear the snow at the weekend.
But heavy rain yesterday afternoon raised concerns about the surface, with tonnes of sand being put down to soak up the excess water.
A local referee carried out an inspection this morning and held off making a decision, leaving it to the match referee to make the call at 2pm.
With only light rain falling in the morning and ground staff working on the pitch throughout, there was some optimism but with the forecast of more rain and the surface sodden, an early decision was taken to call the game off.
It means the Bulls will have gone three weeks without a game by this weekend, while Stags' home match with Dartford this weekend will be their first in a fortnight.
A WOMAN had to be cut from a car by firefighters after a city centre crash this afternoon. She was a passenger in a white Mitsubishi car which collided with a barrier in Canal Street at around 1pm. Crews from Central Fire Station had to cut the roof off the car before she was lifted out on a stretcher and put into an ambulance. No one else is believed to have been injured. One eyewitness said the car had collided with a blue Peugeot, the driver of which stopped briefly before driving off. Police closed one side of the road off from the junction with London Road to the One Nottingham building. It led to major delays, with much of the traffic being diverted up Mansfield Road.
Clubs have less than 72 hours to secure the signatures of their model players, as the transfer window will slam shut at 11pm on Thursday.
We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer news and gossip every day this week.
Share your thoughts or transfer predictions by commenting below or tweeting with the hashtag #ThisIsTransfer. In Summary:
2.40PM Go-ahead to bolster Notts County
10AM Forest launch fresh £500,000 bid for Chris Burke
MONDAY Forest make 'lower' George Boyd offer
MONDAY Alex McLeish wants more January recruits
FRIDAY Brendan Moloney moves to Bristol City UPDATE 4.40PM: Swindon Town striker Paul Benson has completed a loan move to Cheltenham for the rest of the season.
The deal was revived after Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio made it clear Benson was no longer in his plans, BBC Sport reports. UPDATE 4.20PM: Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will sign a four-and-a-half year contract with AC Milan subject to passing a medical tomorrow, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 3.50PM: Plymouth Argyle striker Rhys Griffiths has been told he can leave Home Park by manager John Sheridan.
The 32-year-old, who was signed by former Argyle manager Carl Fletcher in the summer, has according to Sky Sports been told he is surplus to requirements.
He will be allowed to move on if he can find a new club. UPDATE 3.40PM: Reading have agreed a fee with Sheffield United for striker Nick Blackman.
Blackman is set to undergo a medical at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday ahead of signing a four-and-a-half year deal, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 3.40PM: West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted there is 'total confusion' regarding Mohamed Diame.
The future of the midfielder, who has been linked with Arsenal and Aston Villa, remains unclear. UPDATE 3.30PM: York City have brought in Derry striker David McDaid on a two-year contract.
McDaid becomes the club's fourth new signing. UPDATE 3.30PM: Port Vale "are holding fire on contract talks until they know which division they will be playing in next season", Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 2.40PM: Notts County chairman Ray Trew has given Keith Curle the go-ahead to add to his squad ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline, Sky Sports reports.
Curle is eager to bolster his attack after allowing veteran striker Lee Hughes to leave the club by mutual consent. UPDATE 2.30PM: Cardiff City have signed Connah's Quay striker Rhys Healey for an undisclosed fee. The 18-year-old has penned a contract which will keep him at the club until 2015. UPDATE 2.20PM: Patrick Kisnorbo has extended his Ipswich Town stay until the end of the season. UPDATE 2PM: Blackpool are reported to have rejected a bid from Reading for England Under-21 winger Tom Ince. UPDATE 1PM: Ipswich are set to finalise a deal for Colchester United's Anthony Wordsworth, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile Birmingham have reportedly rejected an enquiry from Norwich for defender Curtis Davies. UPDATE 12PM: Harry Redknapp has confirmed Queens Park Rangers have expressed an interest in Stoke striker Peter Crouch.
The boss said he doubts a deal will happen, however. UPDATE 11.45AM: Chelsea have made an approach for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, Sky Sports reports.
Birmingham are considering selling Butland due to their financial problems, Sky Sports says. UPDATE 11.30AM: Oldham Athletic have signed former favourite Paul Murray on a contract until the end of the season after the midfielder recently left League One rivals Hartlepool United, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 11.25AM: Bournemouth have confirmed striker Frank Demouge has joined Dutch Eredivisie side Roda JC Kerkrade on loan for the rest of the season, Sky Sports reports. UPDATE 11.20AM: Leeds United have emerged as favourites to sign Stephen Warnock ahead of West Ham . UPDATE 11.15AM: Reading manager Brian McDermott has confirmed the club have made a bid for Blackpool winger Tom Ince. UPDATE 11AM: Queens Park Rangers striker Rob Hulse has joined Millwall on loan until the end of the season.
He will help to cover the recent sale of Darius Henderson to Nottingham Forest, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile St Johnstone have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Michael Doughty on loan. Saints manager Steve Lomas said: "We have taken young Michael Doughty from QPR. They have kindly let us have Michael." UPDATE 10.30AM: Nottingham Forest must prioritise the signing of Birmingham City's Chris Burke before the closure of the transfer window.
The Post says Forest cannot afford to have a void to fill.
Forest have upped the ante in their efforts to sign Burke, by lodging a fresh £500,000 bid for the winger. UPDATE 10AM: Bolton have agreed a deal to sign Irish starlet Cian Bolger from Championship rivals Leicester City, Sky Sports understands. UPDATE 9.50AM: Reading are lining up a move to hijack Crystal Palace's swoop for Sheffield United striker Nick Blackman, Sky Sports understands. The Potters could see a number of ins and outs before the closure of the transfer window on Thursday.
Possible outs include Peter Crouch to Queens Park Rangers (The Sun), Kenwyne Jones to Turkey or Swansea (various), Asmir Begovic to a Manchester club (but presumably not Rochdale – The Sun).
Possible ins include: Danny Graham (The Times), Carl Jenkinson (Mirror), Andreas Cornelius (Signal Radio) and Brek Shea (Soccer By Ives). Hull City look set to meet further frustrations in their efforts to re-sign Ahmed Elmohamady before Thursday's transfer deadline, with Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill reluctant to approve a second loan this week.
Elmohamady has been back at the Stadium of Light for the last fortnight after seeing his influential season-long loan with the Tigers unexpectedly cut short on January 15.
Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rejected the latest speculation Barcelona striker David Villa could move to the Emirates Stadium this month. Sunderland goalkeeper Johnny Maddison is joining Crawley Town on loan until the end of the season. Bolton Wanderers have joined the race for the signature of Bristol City star Albert Adomah.
The 25-year-old winger is already wanted by Championship promotion contenders Crystal Palace, who have had two bids turned down since last Thursday.
The Post has learned Palace will now face competition from Championship rivals Bolton. Colchester midfielder John-Joe O'Toole has extended his loan stay with League Two side Bristol Rovers.
O'Toole joined the Pirates on New Year's Eve. He will now remain at the Memorial Stadium until April 2 - taking his loan up to the maximum 93-day period. Stoke City striker Peter Crouch is on the radar of QPR manager Harry Redknapp, the Sun reports.
According to the newspaper, Redknapp wants 31-year-old Crouch to play for him for a fifth time.
Stoke is also one of three clubs understood to be interested in bringing back Lazio striker Mauro Zarate to England.
According to Sky Sports, Stoke, Sunderland and Liverpool have "cast an eye in Zarate's direction". Swansea City striker Danny Graham has asked to quit Swansea, reports suggest.
Last night the 27-year-old reportedly told Michael Laudrup he wants out for "personal reasons", hours after the Swansea chief insisted Graham could stay. Swansea refused to comment, and at 8pm yesterday Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed reports claiming the striker has requested a move.
Sunderland remain poised to complete a £5.5m transfer, with Graham still believed to be Martin O'Neill's top target.
Laudrup revealed he could sign a player on loan this month amid mounting speculation over the future of Graham.
Meanwhile Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm has emerged as a shock target for Barcelona, talkSPORT reports.
The 29-year-old, who joined Swansea in a bargain deal from Utrecht, is contracted to the Liberty Stadium club until 2016.
And in other City news, Wayne Routledge has followed Michu's lead by signing a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2016.
Routledge had 18 months left on his current deal, but his stellar performances this season have been rewarded with a fresh three-and-a-half year deal. Exeter forward Elliott Chamberlain has joined Bath City on a one-month loan deal.
The 20-year-old will be available for tonight's home match against Welling United. Hull City manager Steve Bruce yesterday admitted he is struggling to bring in a new striker to replace the injured Sone Aluko. Port Vale have extended striker Calvin Andrew's contract until the end of the season.
Andrew has made seven appearances for the League Two leaders since signing a short-term deal in November.
Andrew says he is confident he can find his peak form and impress Vale fans in whatever position boss Micky Adams asks him to play. Cheltenham have signed midfielder Jason Taylor on a two and-a-half year deal after his release from Rotherham.
The Millers cancelled the 26-year-old's contract by mutual consent on Monday and he joined the Robins just hours later. Gillingham midfielder Danny Jackman has joined non-league Kidderminster on an 18-month contract.
The 30-year-old midfielder has linked up with Harriers in order to be closer to his family, Sky Sports reports. Aston Villa right-back Alan Hutton is poised to join Spanish side Real Mallorca on loan for the remainder of the season, Sky Sports reports.
Meanwhile Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has this morning confirmed talks have started with Andreas Weimann regarding a new contract.
Weimann still has 18 months left on his current deal and Lambert says it would be "great" if the striker signs an extension. West Bromwich have rejected a second offer from QPR for unsettled striker Peter Odemwingie.
Albion turned down an initial bid earlier this month and they also refused Odemwingie's formal transfer request last Friday. Wolves central defender Richard Stearman is poised to join Ipswich on loan for the remainder of the season, Sky Sports reports. Wigan are stepping up their efforts to sign Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero from Mexican side Monarcas Morelia in a £2.75million deal, according to the Daily Mail.
The decision comes after the club was priced out of a move for Spartak Moscow's Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is among Bayern Munich's top summer transfer targets as incoming manager Pep Guardiola begins planning for next season, the Independent reports.
Meanwhile Brendan Rodgers has admitted he is hopeful of making additions to his Liverpool squad before the transfer window shuts on Thursday night. Arsenal have opened formal talks with Barcelona to sign David Villa, Goal.com reports.
The Gunners' contract negotiator Dicky Law has been in Spain to negotiate the transfer of the country's all-time leading goalscorer, and Arsenal are hopeful they can push through the deal.
Meanwhile AZ Alkmaar's midfield starlet Adam Maher has been urged to join Arsenal - by his own manager.
According to the Metro, Maher's boss Gertjan Verbeek has advised the youngster to stay put for this season and hold out for a better move to the Gunners.
Verbeek said: "I think Arsenal would be a good environment for him".
And the Sun claims free agent David Beckham has agreed a top-secret plan with Arsenal to train with the first-team squad while he ponders his next move.
In other news, Grant Holt could be allowed to leave Norwich City if Chris Hughton, the manager, can sign either Celtic's Gary Hooper or Ricky van Wolfswinkel of Sporting Lisbon, the Guardian reports. Galatasaray have announced the signing of former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba on an 18-month deal. Tottenham are trying to pull off a last-minute swoop for £20m Brazilian striker Leondro Damiao from Internacional, according to the Daily Star. Fulham are close to signing Brazilian-born Belgium international striker Igor de Camargo, from Borussia Monchengladbach, according to the Mirror. Blackburn's loan striker Colin Kazim-Richards is being recalled by Galatasaray and sold to Bursaspor, the Mail reports. Southampton are monitoring Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino, as Hoffenheim could be prepared to sell the player, according to reports in Germany.
Firmino has a contract with the Bundesliga club until June 2015.
SICK thugs strangled a cat and shoved a mobile phone charger down its throat.
RSPCA inspectors are appealing for information after the cat's body was found in a walkway at Beacon Hill Newark.
The Bengal cat was found on January 11 with the car charger wrapped around his neck.
It had been dumped inside a plastic bag which was then inside a blue carrier bag.
RSPCA inspector Ian Callingham who is investigating the incident said: "This is just an awful case of animal cruelty and it is sickening to think of how much a painful death this cat would have died.
"It is very bizarre and it is strange that someone would then just dump the body in a busy area."
The cat's body was taken to a vet for a post-mortem, which showed the most likely cause of death was by strangulation.
He had bruising on his neck and blood was found in his lungs.
There was also bruising inside the cat's mouth and his teeth had been broken as a result of the socket being shoved inside.
The owner of the cat has been traced and informed of the cat's death.
Anyone with any information should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 immediately.
FOSTER families are needed to help look after adults in Notts.
The county council has launched a campaign to help find carers for people who are not able to live independently.
The Shared Lives scheme already finds placements for those with learning disabilities, but is being expanded to find carers for those with physical disabilities, mental health problems and older people.
Rita Beard is among those who have already signed up.
She became interested in working with disabled people after she injured her shoulder and had to give up her job in production at Boots.
As part of a Social Work course she completed a placement working with disabled people and decided to sign up to Shared Lives so she could work and spend more time at home with her two children.
"I've never really thought of it as work, I've done a lot harder things and this has always been a pleasure," said Rita, 61, of Stapleford.
"It's good to see people when they come in and perhaps they've had a sheltered life and then they come on, join clubs, get out and about, make friends and its just great.
"I think you've got to have patience and you have to put yourself in their position – I always imagine what if it was one of my own and use my own experiences."
The ultimate aim of Shared Lives is that older or disabled people gain ordinary life experience.
It is used as an alternative to residential care or as a stepping stone to living independently.
People can choose to either provide care on a long term basis, for short respite breaks or have regular visits.
All carers will receive training and ongoing support and will be paid depending on the needs of who they care for.
Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer can visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sharedlives, email sharedlives@nottscc.gov.uk or phone 0300 500 80 80.
Tell us your experiences of the scheme. Email newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
A HOUSE fire broke out in Arnold yesterday afternoon.Three houses were affected by the blaze which took place in the roof of one of the houses.The two adjoining properties on Stonehaven Close suffered from smoke damage. Fire engines from Arnold, West Bridgford and Stockhill stations attended the scene at around 12.50pm and put out the blaze.No-one was hurt in the incident but one elderly lady was given oxygen therapy by the service. The fire was extinguished at around 2.30pm.
Nottingham Forest's January transfer target, George Boyd, is poised to sign with Crystal Palace.
The Peterborough midfielder is now in talks with the Eagles over personal terms after the two clubs agreed a fee.
Posh chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, took to twitter to break the news, he said: "We have agreed terms with Crystal Palace for the transfer of George Boyd tonight. The player will now talk terms with Palace."
Forest had been monitoring Boyd during the January window but their bid for the winger didn't meet Peterborough's asking price.
The sum was labelled 'derisory' by Posh's chairman and he has told Forest fans on Twitter that no additional offer had been made despite Alex McLeish's interest in the player.
He said: "To the NFFC fans asking me if you're back in for George, your manager is desperate to land him but no new offer was forthcoming.
"Many clubs have made bids which in truth were verging on taking the mick, however CP have backed their manager & met our terms today."
We have agreed terms with Crystal Palace for the transfer of George Boyd tonight. The player will now talk terms with Palace.
POLICE searching woodland in the hunt for a missing Notts woman have drawn a blank.
Officers had been combing an area off Whinbush Lane, Calverton, as part of an inquiry into the disappearance of Debbie Starbuck, 44. She was last seen in April 2010.
Mrs Starbuck, formerly Debbie Cooper, lived in Desford Close, Old Basford.
The woodland was cordoned off last Thursday but the search was delayed by snow. It started on Monday.
But yesterday morning a police spokeswoman said nothing had been found at the site and the search had been called off.
The cordon has now been lifted.
Mrs Starbuck's husband, Jamie Starbuck, 36, of no fixed address, is charged with her murder and is next due to appear in court on May 10.
THE owners of this house in Boundary Road, West Bridgford bought their home in 2002. They'd always had the intention to refurbish it and create a contemporary family home and, after nine months of hard work, their idea had become reality. They'd extended and refitted to create 2,100 sq ft of stunning accommodation.
Jenny, the owner, said: "We knew that this would be the home where we would have our children and we knew how we wanted it to be. We bought because it was in the catchment area for good schools and then set about the extension work, fitting new electrics, plumbing... the whole lot. We had good builders and, as we were living in the house at the time, we drove the work and it was done quickly."
The couple have put a lot of time and effort into making this house their home and say they concentrated on what they wanted, rather than what would add value. This strategy has also added desirability, as the interior is finished beautifully.
Accommodation is now extensive and yet practical. There is an entrance hall, living room, family room, stunning kitchen/dining room, a garden or sun room, a study and ground-floor WC. Upstairs, there are four good-size bedrooms and a family bathroom.
An example of this combination of style and practicality can be seen in the sun room, where bookcases have been built around the doors to create a lovely flow to this storage and display facility – a feature mirrored on the top-floor landing. Jenny said: "We used the same joiner to create these bespoke bookcases as we used to craft the doors in our en suite."
One of her favourite rooms is her bedroom and en suite bathroom. "Because we have bespoke wardrobes on the landing, our bedroom is just a bedroom with a great big sleigh bed and a TV – our own little area in which to relax. Our en suite is actually bigger than the main bathroom. It is great to come up here with a glass of wine – it's our own spa area."
The couple have kept on top of trends, updating the en suite just a year ago with Villeroy & Boch sanitary ware, including a walk-in shower, an oversized bath, his-and-hers matching wash hand basins... there's even hidden storage.
Three years ago, the kitchen was updated again and it is this room that comes a close second in the favourite rooms stakes. Jenny said: "I designed the kitchen myself and spent a lot of time researching and planning and took loads of advice to make sure I got it just right. It's a cook's kitchen; it really works and, with concealed appliances, it never looks untidy."
This stunning room has a central island providing sitting and working space and, and there's a zip tap and waste disposal.
High-gloss black units contrast with the white Corian working surfaces to add glamour to this practical room, while stainless steel De Dietrich appliances continue the practical yet stylish theme. Appliances include a hob, double oven and double fridge.
The property is reached through substantial remote-controlled double gates, which open to an "in out" driveway with extensive parking and a garage.
Gardens are landscaped to include lawns and an attractive patio which links the internal accommodation to the gardens and creates an ideal entertaining area.
Add all this to the family-focused location and you have a superb family home.
As Jenny said: "We are on the main bus route, in fact there is a bus stop across the road.
"The leisure centre is across the road and they have some great half-term clubs for the children, and we are just a 10-minute walk into Bridgford or a quick drive from the countryside or the ring road."
The couple are now looking for a final renovation project, having made such a success of Boundary Road. They have two children and Jenny said: "We will stay in West Bridgford.
"The children are settled in school here but I'm 47 now and thought, if I do another project now, it will be finished by the time I'm 50 and then that will be it."
Steve Parker, associate director at FHP Living, said: "We've had great success with open days and are offering house-hunters the chance to view this house first hand this weekend – come along to the 'open house' this Saturday 11am-2pm."
A CARE home has agreed to pay compensation to an elderly woman after she was left without life-saving drugs for at least a week.
Jean Hackett, 80, needed to be given the drugs daily to treat Addison's disease.
The condition disrupts the production of hormones and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
But staff at Hawthorn Lodge Care Home, Bestwood Park, failed to give her the drugs for at least seven or eight days, leading to her falling unconscious and being rushed to hospital.
Mrs Hackett was placed on a drip and has since recovered but her daughter Sharon Watkins, 56, said: "We really thought mum was going to die."
Mrs Hackett had an Addisonian or adrenal crisis, an emergency which occurs when the body is low in the steroid hormone cortisol. It can lead to coma and death.
"She was drifting in and out of consciousness," said Miss Watkin. "She is such a frail old woman. She is still poorly now. I don't know if she will ever fully recover."
The family have been awarded £2,500 by the company that runs the home after it admitted failing to give Mrs Hackett the drugs.
But Miss Watkin said money was not the aim of the legal claim. She added: "Mistakes happen but this was going on for days. It just isn't acceptable that an elderly person has been treated in this way. When we got to the hospital it unravelled just how long mum had not had her medication for.
"We made assumptions that the people caring for her would do what they said they would."
Following the incident, which happened in January 2011, Miss Watkin moved her mother to the council-run Cherry Trees care home, Bestwood Park, where she was being "very well looked after".
Mrs Hackett is a former medical records worker who was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party for her contribution to the community.
She has Alzheimer's and her condition deteriorated after the death of her husband, Albert, who passed away in 2009 after a heart attack.
She moved to Hawthorn Lodge in November 2010.
Manchester-based JMW medical negligence solicitor Katie Nolan, who represents the family, said: "This failure to give Jean her medication was an appalling breach of trust on the part of the care home."
Geoff Lane, director of Regal Care Trading Limited, which operates Hawthorn Lodge, said: "Due to a breakdown in communications between Mrs Hackett's GP and the care home, one of the elements of Mrs Hackett's medication ran out.
"As a result Mrs Hackett did not receive some of her medication for several days and had to be admitted to hospital.
"We accepted at the time that there were deficiencies in the records of medication Mrs Hackett should have received in December 2010.
"Regal Care's insurers have admitted liability. A sum of £2,500 compensation has been agreed via Mrs Hackett's family's solicitors. The settlement is now pending the court's approval as the award has to be assessed by a judge acting on Mrs Hackett's behalf as she is a protected person.
"Hawthorn Lodge is now operating under new management.
"The family received a written apology in 2011, and since then we have worked hard to transform the standards of care at Hawthorn Lodge Care Home and all staff are dedicated to providing quality care for every resident."
Regal Care Trading Ltd has been in administration since May 2012. An administrator is trying to find a buyer.
