Page 2 - Gary Croft News Today

Town got back to form on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over fellow promotion candidates Manchester City. Town made several changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Crewe in the week with Manu Thetis, Fabian Wilnis and Jermaine Wright all returning to the starting line-up and Matt Holland starting at sweeper in place of the suspended John McGreal. Richard Naylor, Wayne Brown and Jamie Clapham all dropped to the bench whilst Gary Croft came in for his debut. The new boy was to have quite a game.

In a shock move Town striker David Johnson has declared himself Welsh. The 23-year-old striker has in the past appeared for both the England B team and the Jamaican full side as well as spending a game on the bench for the England U21s, however none of these games tied him to any one country and he can still choose which nation he wanted to represent.

Marcus Stewart is still rated as 50/50 for Sundays clash with Blackburn Rovers. He has trainined this week but it is still touch and go whether hell be fit for Sunday.

Gary Crofts free transfer to Cardiff City has been completed. The defender passed a medical and had already agreed terms.

Town striker Connor Wickham has completed his move to Sunderland, signing a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light. The Blues have revealed the fee to be an initial £8.1 million rising to more than £12 million after additional clauses relating to appearances and achievements are triggered. TWTD understands that there is also a clause which will see the Blues receive a percentage of the profit from his future sale.

Town have revealed that their £2.58 million share of the Darren Bent fee will be paid in three instalments over two years. Earlier today Tottenham agreed a £16.5 million deal with Charlton for Bents signature, £1 million of that fee in add-ons.

Testimonial man Fabian Wilnis has commissioned a new Town song as a thank-you to the club and its supporters. The Dutchman has asked Blues-supporting singer-songwriter Asa Jennings to pen the tune.

Football League chiefs have announced that from next season Nationwide League clubs will be able to take more players on loan. Last year Town had a number of players who spent long periods with Nationwide League teams including Richard Naylor, Gary Croft and James Pullen, who spent the entire year with Blackpool.

Jim Magilton has become the latest Town player told he can leave on a free if an offer comes in. Magilton, who still has one year left on his contract, had a poor 2001/02 and rarely featured in the second half of the season.

BBC Radio Suffolk is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Town’s glorious 4-2 Wembley play-off victory over Barnsley with a special show,