Pick Of The Cherries - April 10th, 2002

Last updated : 10 April 2002 By Mike Robins

It looks like youngsters Danny Smith and James Ford are to be released at the end of this season. Both players are coming to the end of their contracts, and the Club has indicated that they will not be renewed. Their names have been circulated around the Nationwide and Conference League sides.

Stephen Cooke has returned to Aston Villa at the end of his loan period. On his return, Cooke is quoted as saying that he "had a fantastic time at Dean Court, and I can't believe that they're about to go down".

AFC Bournemouth are to use the money raised as part of the Eddie Howe deal to pay off Barr Construction and the PFA. A payment to the latter will see the current transfer embargo lifted.

This will help if AFC Bournemouth are going to sign current trialists Phil Wilson (a goal keeper from Oxford City) and/or Matthew Rouse, a defender from Arsenal. Both recently impressed in a recent a recent reserve match.