Mildenhall transfer listed!

Last updated : 31 May 2004 By Richard Brown

Arrivederci.
The 24-year old shot-stopper, who was set to eat into the final term of his initial four-year deal, was offered a new contract at the club that included a significant 20% pay-cut. However, Mildenhall turned down the package on decreased terms, leaving the manager with no choice but to place the former Swindon man on the transfer list, making him available on a free-transfer to any interested parties.

The goalkeeping giant was held in mixed esteem amidst the Magpies faithful throughout his 86 appearances for the club, kick-starting his Notts County career at the very beginning of his residence, saving a last minute penalty against Cambridge on his home debut before delivering an 85-yard pile driver to turn over Mansfield Town in their own back yard, clinching a 4-3 victory for the Magpies just days later.

However, the highly-rated youngster's inconsistency often cost him his place amongst the starting XI behind goalkeeping 'rival', Stuart Garden. But now, a slightly hard done by, Mildenhall has become the latest of many victims to the drastic and yet totally necessary cost-cutting measures which have been somewhat of a humdrum at Notts County as of late, with high-earners Darren Caskey, Ian Baraclough, Nick Fenton and now, Mildenhall all being allowed to leave in an attempt to re-structure the club's farcically high wage bill.

However, Mills was also adamant of the fact that the door is still not shut for Mildenhall, but only if he would agree to the wage reduction or one of a similar benchmark.

According to the Nottingham Evening Post, a previously undocumented clause in his contract entitles the 6"5 'keeper to leave the club should Notts County Football Club fail to reach the First Division whilst his four-year is still valid. So, may I be the first to congratulate the klutzes responsible for, ahem, master-minding such an agreement and also the first to wish Mildenhall well if and when he departs.