Randolph and Holland expected to sign

Darren Randolph has been holding contract talks with Addicks supremo Phil Parkinson and a deal is expected to be agreed within the next few days. Matt Holland has started training and is also expected to agree a deal.

Phil Parkinson is expected to remain Addicks manager next season. Realistically we cannot afford anyone else. I wouldn't describe myself as an enthusiast, but I am not as critical as some people are. He inherited a poisoned chalice and performances and results did improve somewhat.

Peter Varney was never heading up a takeover deal, but has been helping with making presentations to prospective investors who might inject some much needed new money into the club.

Gloomsters are already predicting relegation into Division 2. It has to be remembered that many League 1 sides are not as good as those in the Championship and the squad should be able to cope, at least to the extent of getting to the fringes of the play offs.

Cadzy's transatlantic swoop

Leamington supremo Jason Cadden is not letting the grass grow under his feet as he prepares for the team's Southern Premiership campaign. His latest move is an auadcious transatlantic swoop to sign highly rated striker Nicky Gordon. The one downside is that the player will not be able to join the Brakes until October because of his playing and coaching commitments in the States.

Leamington's defence probably needs more strengthening than other parts of the side and Cadzy has signed former Villa academy full back Chris Tuohy. After leaving Villa, he played for Tamworth and Solihull Moors.

There is less action at The Valley, as the future ownership of the team remains to be decided and along with it the fate of manager Phil Parkinson. However, he has expressed an interest in retaining the services of Darren Ward who he thinks is a good influence on younger players.