OVER TO JODY

FORMER Radcliffe striker Jody Banim, a cult hero to many of the Borough faithful, was transfer listed by League Two new boys Shrewsbury Town on Monday, sparking rumours of a return to Stainton Park.

"I've known it was going to happen for a while now," said Boro boss Kevin Glendon, the man who signed him from Hyde United.

"I've spoken to Jody and he knows what we've offered him and what we can do for him.

"He knows the club like the back of his hand, he knows he plays his best football here so it's up to him to make a decision.

"He knows the type of side we have this year, he knows we'd never let him down and I believe we have as good a chance as anyone of getting him.

"The only stumbling block is the fee Shrewsbury want and the fact that Stalybridge Celtic have matched it. Once a club offers that they are going to try and steer him in that direction."

Banim scored 97 goals in three seasons at Radcliffe. But since moving to Gay Meadow last December for £20,000, he has scored just one goal in 17 appearances for the Shrews.

Sources suggest the figure Shrewsbury are asking for is £10,000, which would appear to put Boro out of the reckoning.

The previous highest fee the club paid was £4,000 to Northwich Victoria for striker Tony Carroll.

But it would appear it is not all down to just money.

"We've offered him a smashing deal, unlike any other he's likely to be offered," said Glendon, who refused to be drawn into the details.

"He's not on massive wages at Shrewsbury, decent full-time money but nothing fantastic. However, we have offered him a unique deal, certainly something Stalybridge won't be able to match.

"If he went there he'd be back to part-time football and he'd need another job. The package we are working on would take care of everything.

"In any case he'll probably wait a couple of weeks to see what offers Shrewsbury receive before he makes his mind up, but as I understand it there are only Stalybridge and ourselves in for him at the moment.

"If that stays the case I'd be very disappointed if he chose them over us. But if a National Conference club came in for him that would be different, even I'd advise him to go to them."

Whether Banim signs or not, Glendon was due to offer the star of Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Durham City, trialist Jamie Baguley, a contract for the rest of the season. (Turn to page 27 for match report )

That would ensure he begins the league season with at least four strikers - Steve Foster, Phil Denney, Rory Patterson and Baguley - after Josh Mitten joined Hyde United recently.

His one remaining headache, however, is the goalkeeping position.

Danny Hurst is suffering from a groin injury and has been undergoing treatment. If he fails to respond and surgery is needed Glendon has confirmed he will go with the youth team's Barry George, who has impressed in the last three friendlies against Manchester United, Southport and Durham.

However, young George goes on holiday this weekend and will miss the final three pre-season friendlies.

This leaves Glendon with a difficult decision.

Does he play Hurst and risk him aggravating the injury, or does he go out and find a short-term replacement until George returns?

Kevin Keegan, you're not the only one with goalkeeping problems!