Murdock joins Crewe on free transfer

Colin Murdock has completed his move to Championship side Crewe Alexandra. The Northern Ireland centre back has signed till the end of the season. Reaction from Hibs fans
Bruce jnr has now pulled out of the NI U21 squad as he wants more time to decide his future. James Quinn got his first goal for Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, nicking the ball of the keeper before eventually smashing it home.

Bruce signs son

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has signed his son, Alex, from Blackburn Rovers. Bruce Jnr is a current U21 international, qualifying because of a Northern Irish grandmother. He has signed a two and a half year contract, but will first see out his current loan deal at Oldham, which ends in March. Alex can play in central defence or midfield.

Murdock deal back on!

Colin Murdock’s footballing future looks likely to be decided today, after Crewe have renewed their interest in the centre back, with Blackpool also wanting to sign him.
It was widely reported (including here) that Crewe weren’t going to follow up their interest, with boss Dario Gradi worried that Murdock hadn’t played for 2 months, and they hadn’t been able to watch him. Now, with the transfer window closing, The Scotsman say they’re back in the chase. However, if Gradi finally decides not to take the risk, league one Blackpool will welcome the Howlin’ Mad defender with open arms.
Hibs Northern Ireland contingent will not suffer numerically however, as the SPL club look ready to make an offer for transfer listed Institute speedster Ivan Sproule. Sproule impressed on a trial over the last week, and Hibs see him as the solution to their right-wing problem.

3pm Confirmed: We’re in business

Here’s the BBC Sport article on the subject:
Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford on Saturday, 26 March will kick-off at the original time of 1500 GMT.
Approaches from broadcasters and the Football League were made to the FA to switch to an evening kick-off.
But after lengthy discussions with the Manchester police the FA decided on an afternoon start.
The move will be welcomed by NI fans who had already booked Saturday evening flights to the next game in Poland.

Happy Days!

3pm Confirmed: We’re in business

Here’s the BBC Sport article on the subject:
Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford on Saturday, 26 March will kick-off at the original time of 1500 GMT.
Approaches from broadcasters and the Football League were made to the FA to switch to an evening kick-off.
But after lengthy discussions with the Manchester police the FA decided on an afternoon start.
The move will be welcomed by NI fans who had already booked Saturday evening flights to the next game in Poland.

Happy Days!

Don’t you just love these Welsh boys?

Just a week after Robbie Savage finally procured a move for himself to Blackburn, upsetting everyone connected with him in the process, Newcastle United are now waiting for offers for Craig Bellamy. The Welshman feigned injury after being asked to play out of position, publically called his manager a liar and has refused to apologise. To cap it all, despite reported interest from several Premiership clubs, the only team to make an enquiry have been Stoke. Ha!

Kirk makes history

Andy Kirk has become the first ever Boston United player to receive a full international call up. The 25 year old, with 5 international caps to date, has been included in the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in nearly a year for the upcoming friendly against Canada.

Kirk:
“It’s great news, not just from my own point of view, but for the club too,” said Kirk, speaking exclusively to the Lincolnshire Echo.
“I think it’s superb they will get some recognition for my call-up, but it also makes me a proud man to become part of Boston’s history. They have never had a full international before and to become the first ever is quite special.
“To be called up for your country when you are playing at any level is an honour and it’s a good indicator of how well this season is going for me.
“I’ve scored a few goals and in some respects I would have been disappointed if I had not received a call up because my form has been good.
“The lads all gave me a pat on the back yesterday when I found out from the manager Steve Evans and I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Kirk’s last appearance was as a sub against Greece, but he wants to start the Canada match:
“It’s nice to get on the pitch straight away and be on for the national anthem. “When you walk out of the tunnel to all the fans and they sing the anthem with you it’s quite a humbling experience.
“But I’ll have to wait and see if that happens because there are some very good players ahead of me. David Healy and Stuart Elliott [You what? – Steve] are first-choice strikers, but I if I do well against Canada you never know, I could stake a claim for a regular place.”
Of course, the Canada game is our last match before we take on England, and with James Quinn suspended Kirk knows he’s in with a chance of starting the match at Old Trafford:
“I’d love to play in that game because it would be massive,” said Kirk. “To play against players like David Beckham and Steven Gerrard would be superb.
“It clashes with Boston’s game with Yeovil, but it would be a dream for me to play at Old Trafford.”
Pilgrims boss Steve Evans
“It is no surprise to anyone that he has been selected,”
“To accompany his finishing ability, he is an example to every young player we have at the club.”

Hibs offer Shiels new 5 year contract

Hibernian have offered a new 5 year contract to ex-Arsenal and current NI U21 striker Dean Shiels. Shiels joined Hibs along with countryman Sam Morrow in the summer on a 2 year deal.
He said:
“I’m delighted that my progress is being recognised by the club. I’ve enjoyed the move here.
”Securing regular first team football was my main objective. Now I’d like to establish myself even more. Hopefully I can do enough to earn a chance at senior international level”

Murdock seeks move to England

Having not featured for Hibs for 2 months, Colin Murdock is seeking a move to England. He has only started 8 games for Hibs this season, and Crewe manager Dario Gradi was interested in taking him on loan, but the move has fallen through:
Gradi:
“We were interested in taking Colin Murdock on loan until the end of the season but because he hasn’t been playing for Hibs we were not prepared to risk it,” Gradi told the club’s official website.
“The reports we had on him were encouraging and he would have done a job but I would much rather pay for someone who we will be totally sure about rather than take a gamble.
“We would have had to decide before the weekend about Colin because the window closes on international players.
“Colin was keen to come here but we have run out of time with it because of the transfer window.”

6 clubs chase Clingan

Mansfield caretaker manager Carlton Palmer is said to be closing in on Wolves and NI U21 midfielder Sammy Clingan. Clingan has only recently returned from a successful 3 month loan spell at Chesterfield as I reported on recently.
Palmer:
“I’m waiting on Glenn Hoddle who has got him back from Chesterfield and is having a good look at him but he’s said he’ll keep me informed.
“That’s the type of midfield player I’m interested in, but there have been about six other clubs after him both in our division and from the one above.”