BRISTOL CITY
Defender Shaun Taylor is due out of hospital to start the long rehabilitation process that is likely to keep him out of action until at least Christmas. Taylor had surgery on his cruciate ligaments recently, with the operation being a complete success. However, because he came into football late, this injury is not as threatening as it could have been for the 35-year-old.

PORTSMOUTH
Midfielder Alan McLoughlin has agreed a new deal, which will keep him at Fratton Park for another three years. The Republic of Ireland international has finally signed the new contract, which includes a testimonial game, after a month of negotiations. McLoughlin, 31, said: I love playing for Portsmouth and didn't want to go anywhere else, so I'm happy that everything is finally sorted out.

DIVISION TWO AND THREE ROUND-UP DIVISION TWO NOTTS COUNTY Magpies fans may be forced to wait until 15 August to see their team in action at home, following the decision not to play any pre-season games at Meadow Lane. A total revamp of the pitch has meant all matches will be away, and the club has asked the Football League for an away start to the campaign. READING Striker Stuart Lovell is holding contract talks with manager Tommy Burns, despite being given a free transfer at the end of last season. Lovell, 26, is expected to speak to other clubs, but insists he would love the chance to stay at Reading, even if he has to take a pay-cut. He said: Tommy Burns has told me there is no guarantee I'd get a regular first-team place, but I still think Reading are the best hope I've got of getting back into Division One. MEANWHILE, the Berkshire club's new £37m Madejski Stadium will not be ready for the start of next season. Building work on the 25,000 all-seater stadium is set to be completed on 22 August. DIVISION THREE BRIGHTON The Seagulls' plans to move to Withdean Stadium have been delayed by residents opposed to the idea. The club are looking to return to Brighton for the 1998/99 campaign after groundsharing with Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium last season. But the council-owned Withdean Stadium does not comply with requirements for the division, and the club's application to upgrade the ground will now be considered by the Government Office for the South East. Club chairman Dick Knight said: This is quite obviously a deliberate delaying tactic by those opposed to our constructive proposals to play at Withdean, and we are confident that fair-minded reason and common sense will prevail. CHESTER CITY Manager Kevin Ratcliffe is hoping to discover in the next few days if player-of-the-year Nick Richardson will be remaining at the Deva Stadium. Richardson is a free agent under the Bosman ruling, and has been strongly linked with a move to hometown club Halifax. HARTLEPOOL UNITED Midfielder Stephen Halliday has completed a move to Motherwell. The Scottish club paid just £50,000 for Halliday, whose form has dipped since a proposed £400,000 transfer to Sunderland broke down nearly two years ago. Hartlepool have also agreed to release Derby-based skipper Russell Bradley, who will join non-league Hednesford Town.

SCOTTISH ROUND-UP DUNFERMLINE Reading boss Tommy Burns is keeping tabs on Scotland B striker Andy Smith. The 29-year-old has a year left on his contract and Pars know he would be able to leave on a free next summer, but talks with Smith have reached a stalemate. Burns is watching closely and Smith said: I know all about Reading's interest and if Dunfermline do not come back with an improved offer I will look for a move. Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Sheffield United have also expressed an interest in Smith. FALKIRK Midfielder David Hagen has signed a new one-year contract at Brockville. Manager Alex Totten was desperate for the 25-year-old to stay and said: He has been a very good player for this club and I'm relieved to get the deal done. Totten will now turn his attention to trying to persuade skipper Jamie McGowan, Paul McGrillen, and under-21 international Andy Seaton to follow Hagen's lead and sign new deals. MOTHERWELL The Fir Park club will sign Hibernian midfielder Greg Miller at the start of July. A deal has been agreed with 22-year-old Miller, the son of Aberdeen boss Alex, but Motherwell secretary Alan Dick said: Greg is still under contract to Hibs and nothing will be announced officially until 1 July. RAITH ROVERS Captain Danny Lennon has signed a new one-year contract at Kirkcaldy and may be joined next season by former Scottish international Dave Bowman. The midfielder has been freed by Dundee United, and Raith and Livingston are battling for his signature. ST JOHNSTONE Paul Kane has been handed a coaching role at the club. As well as his playing duties, the former Hibernian midfielder will help with the development of 11 YTS youngsters. He said: A lot of players don't get the opportunity to coach, but this is a chance for me to have a go at it. Our boss, Paul Sturrock, did this at Dundee United, so he can make sure any mistakes he made will be ironed out.

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