The summer of change

Last updated : 10 May 2004 By Richard Brown
The match; unremarkable. But the aftermath, anything but as Mills announced an agreement with veteran Sheffield United defender, Mike Whitlow to sign for the club during the close season.

Vetran Mike Whitlow signs
Whitlow, 36, has agreed terms with Mills who describes his latest acquisition as a "true professional, a good player and a good leader". Mills and Whitlow will team up for the second time now, after being amongst the ranks at Leicester City and will now meet again following the expiration of Whitlow's Blades deal at the end of June.

Although when asked whether or not Darlington top 'scorer, Barry Conlan will be joining Whitlow at the 'Lane, Mills remained somewhat tight-lipped although let enough be known for NCM to understand that he will be on County's summer shortlist.

Behind the scenes, however, and Mills has began to form his own backroom staff as Darren Gee, not to the surprise of the many Notts fans who've expected such a move, has took up the post of Gary Mills' right-hand man at the club with John Gaunt stepping down to the role of first team coach.

But for now, Mills has another potentially long-term injury on his plate with Steve Scoffham, in the action for just a matter of minutes, as he was removed on a stretcher as an ambulance awaited inside the main gates following the final whistle.