Transfer moves blocked

Richardson had been looking to push through loan moves for a Premiership winger and a defender, believed to be Huddersfield's Nigerian international Efe Sodje.

But the club confirmed today that The Magpies' didn't have the money to fund such a move, meaning Richardson will have to hope the current set of players are capable of getting the results that could earn him the manager's chair for next season.

Richo: Frustrated

This season's budget had already been spent back in OCTOBER by former manager Gary Mills, but many believe that it was hoped Richardson could fund the move by shipping one or two of his current squad out of the door.

As it is, he'll have to deal with what he's got for the remainder of the season.

"I was very keen to bring new players to the club before the transfer deadline," the County boss told the NEP. "But it is not going to happen.

"I had two players lined up but I was not able to move for financial reasons. It is very frustrating, of course it is."

Defending the decision, director Steve Thompson - also talking to the NEP - said that risks should not be taken.

"The simple fact is that we cannot make any more money available for players," said Thompson.

"If we start spending more money now, we are going to be eating into the budget we have for next season.

"The squad has demonstrated what they are capable of in recent months. It is down to them to make sure we remain safe in the final weeks."

All this begs the question, ofcourse, as to why Richo didn't think to ask the board as to whether the money was there BEFORE negotiating with the respective players.

One good bit of news for The Magpies, though, is that - barring the latest of late deals - the club have managed to keep hold of promising youngsters Kelvin Wilson and Saul Deeney, at least until the end of the season.

Expect a full round-up of all the deadline day moves later here on NCM.