The rumour factory continues.....

RUMOUR: Papers linked Ben Futcher recently with a move to Gresty Road but

Going to Crewe?

apparently their interest has cooled. However their scouts are continuing to monitor City as they were more than impressed by the form of Gary Taylor Fletcher.

REACTION: Its a rumour that could be true. Strikers who appear on the scoresheet week in week out are bound to attract attention, and Taylor Fletcher had his admirers whilst at Northwich Victoria. Truth Rating *****


RUMOUR: Alan Marriott is unhappy at Sincil Bank and Simon Rayner is being groomed as a long term replacement when Mazza departs in January. Mazza is off to Cardiff City but couldn't move in the summer as Keith needed to blood a new face.

REACTION: Its plausible but unlikely. Cardiff are weak between the sticks and

Talented... but is he confident enough?

Mazza must have attracted attention over the past two years. However his size may count against him at a higher level. He also turned down a move to Bradford City at the end of the 2003 season. Truth Rating **


RUMOUR: Stuart Bimson is surplus to requirements at Cambridge and is set for an emotional final season back with the Imps once Nathan Peat goes back to Hull City.

REACTION: Extremely unlikely. Keith has Kevin Sandwith

Coming back?

and Michael Blackwood to scoot down the left. Bimson is surplus at Cambridge but will possibly favour a drop down to the conference where ex league players can often command more money than they could in the league! Truth Rating *


RUMOUR: Niall McNamara isn't likely to return from his loan spell with Eastwood Town after falling out of favour with Keith. The experience he hoped to gain by going on loan isn't convincing Leith he's worth another look.

REACTION: Possible. McNamara hasn't pulled up any trees during his spell at City and there are many strikers ahead of him in the pecking order. Truth Rating ****


RUMOUR: Ben Futcher will not be bringing revenue to the club as he will be

Will he last the year?

staying put until a Bosman move in the close season. Ex club Oldham, Crewe and Peterborough are all in the hunt with Barry Fry particularly keen on the big man.

REACTION: All the signs are pointing to this being absolute truth. Few clubs would be likely to splash the cash in January when he could move for free five months later. It may be better for City as he has been a tower of strenght this season and will be invaluble throughout the campaign. Truth Rating *****