Bargain Basement - Footballs sought after Free Agents

Ashley Cole - 33 - Defender

Widely regarded as the best English left-back in a generation, the 33-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea this summer after eight years at Stamford Bridge. Announced his international retirement prior to the naming of Roy Hodgson's England squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. Chelsea are believed to have offered a renewed 12-month contract with reduced terms but Cole looks poised to move on. The former Arsenal man is considering offers from several big clubs, both domestically and abroad - with Monaco and even Real Madrid showing an interest.

Rio Ferdinand - 35 - Defender

After 12 years and 10 trophies, 35-year-old Ferdinand has left Manchester United. Out of contract this summer, the West Ham academy product is available for nothing over a decade on from his record £30million arrival from Leeds. Near-unmatched experience at the highest level and no haggling over a transfer fee will make Ferdinand an attractive proposal for many clubs. FA Cup winners Arsenal, vanquished finalists Hull, MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy and a clutch of Turkish clubs are thought to be interested.

Samuel Eto'o - 33 - Striker

Derided over his age by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Eto'o will nevertheless carry the hopes of a nation when he turns out for Cameroon in his fourth World Cup this summer. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, with an impressive 55 strikes in 116 appearances for his country. Even an underwhelming single season at Chelsea delivered nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances. Speculation as to where the prolific goalscorer will play next is rife, with offers from clubs in the United States, Australia, Italy and Spain said to be forthcoming.

Gareth Barry - 33 - Midfielder

It was shrewd of Everton boss Roberto Martinez to sign the Manchester City midfielder on loan in the last knockings of the transfer window last summer. Barry proved a key member of Everton's squad, helping them to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. However, a reported clause in the loan deal between City and Everton mean that the Toffees will need to raise £2.5million to sign him permanently, despite the player being out of contract this summer. A move to the MLS is also on the cards.

Bacary Sagna - 31 - Defender

Of all the players on this list Sagna's future looks the most certain, with Manchester City his expected destination. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked his targets early and Sagna is top of his shopping list. The France full-back is out of contract this summer but signed off from the Gunners in style by winning his first silverware in the FA Cup final. A move to City could also come with a reported  £120,000-a-week pay deal, while the lack of a transfer fee will be very attractive to City after their recent financial fair play sanction from UEFA. 

England's U17 Emerging Stars

Stop the presses, England have won a penalty shoot-out.

The Three Lions' Under-17 team were triumphant in the final of the European
Championship on Wednesday night, romping home on penalty kicks 4-1 against
Holland after the match ended 1-1.

The victory for John Peacock's talented group of youngsters emulates the
achievements of England Under-17s in the same tournament four years ago. 

On that occasion the likes of World Cup-bound Everton midfielder Ross Barkley,
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and West Brom striker Saido Berahino were among
England's heroes.

So, what potential England stars of tomorrow have been on show in Malta?

 

Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward

The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent
months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an
impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s.
His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham
in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.

 

Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender

Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the
Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013.
The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut
for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.

 

Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward

The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him
a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and
topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals
during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester
City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage
Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona
and Real Madrid. 

 
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder

Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy,
signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The
tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and
his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.

 

Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper

The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most
highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during
qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet
to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for
Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term
contract with Newcastle earlier this year.

 

Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder

Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving
in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent
the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players
who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of
David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the
Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.

Braintree Post Match: Interview with Halifax Town Chairman David Bosomworth

Despite Halifax being held to a 0-0 draw at home to Braintree on Thursday night, Chairman David Bosomworth remains upbeat about what has been a successful season so far.

‘Its marvellous at this stage of the season with 6 games to go, that we’re fighting for a play off place.’

Halifax could of gone as high as third in the table with a win over the Iron, and a feeling of 2 points dropped rather than a point gained has left Bosomworth a little disappointed.

‘It’s the first 0-0 we’ve had at home this season, so it is disappointing. Perhaps haven’t been at our best tonight, I think they’ve done a very good job on us to be fair.’

The referee, rightly or wrongly had an impact on proceedings, after awarding numerous free kicks and drop balls. Bosomworth was left bewildered by some of the official’s decision making on the night.

‘It was very stop start; he hasn’t really let the game flow so that does make it difficult for both sets of players, and so from that perspective he has had better days.’

The Shaymen sit 7^th in the Skrill Premier, with the onus on getting as many points on the board as possible to maintain their promotion push.

Halifax face a tough run in, starting with Nuneaton away on Saturday, followed by Grimsby and Barnet away.

‘If you can string another 2 or 3 wins together, might propel you into the playoffs.’

The playing staff at Halifax are primarily part time, training twice a week and with only an hour on the pitch with the manager to hone tactics, which only enhances what a great job the team have done this season.

The club has strengthened up front with the acquisition of Scott Spencer from Hyde, formerly on the books at Everton, he could prove an astute addition to the squad by manager Neil Aspin.

‘He signed for Everton at one point, he obviously has been seen as a talented lad, lets hope he can realise that talent here for us.’

Spencer will provide cover and lighten the load on top scorer Lee Gregory’s shoulders, who has been in fantastic form this season, netting 28 times for the Shaymen.

‘Gregory and Josh Wilson are our only out and out strikers, if Gregory fell in a heap in one of the games, you need a bit of cover, but overall were well covered, at our level you have to have players that are capable of coming in and moving position and just playing slightly different roles.’

Possessing a strong squad with a great team spirit, a trip to Wembley may not be beyond the realms of possibility for Halifax.