Hereford United boss Simon Davey has played down the chances of a high-profile return to Edgar Street by flying winger Lionel Ainsworth.
Even worse news for Bulls fans is that the former Watford player could link up with former United manager Graham Turner at arch rivals Shrewsbury.
Ainsworth, 22, became a firm favourite at Edgar Street during two highly successful loan spells which saw him net seven goals in 22 games.
But it appears that the Shrews could be trying to lure Ainsworth away from Huddersfield, where he has endured an unhappy stay since signing in January last year.
“It might be turning the other way at the moment,” said Davey.
“I think there’s a club called Shrewsbury up the road who are making an effort to sign him as well. It might be that Graham Turner is trying to get him on board, so I don’t know.”
Despite the news, Davey was upbeat about his side’s preparations for the new season, which starts on August 7 at Crewe.
“We’ve come a long way,” he said. “I’m pleased with the way the players have prepared and I’m pleased with the way the fitness levels are increasing every day.
“There is a nice air of optimism around the dressing room,” he added. “I feel very buoyant – we’re really looking forward to starting the season. We’ve had a good pre-season so far and we’re confident.”
Fitness is obviously a key aspect of Davey’s regime – a point borne out by his recent appointment of Tom Whittaker, the club’s first sports scientist.
He will no doubt be implementing the methods advocated by Davey, which he studied during his travels to sporting academies in France and the United States.
Davey was also relishing the challenge posed by tonight’s friendly visit of Plymouth (7.45pm), who have just appointed Peter Reid as manager.
“They will be a big test,” Davey said. “They have been in the Championship for quite a few seasons and they would’ve been disappointed that they went down.
“But with Peter Reid I’m sure they will be firing on all cylinders and will be one of the teams that will be up there.”
At the time of the Journal going to press, Davey was expecting to add another face to the squad.
He is expected to be revealed as Samba Kanoute, a 19-year-old French defender formerly of Auxerre.
Meanwhile, Lincoln have revealed that a compensation fee has been agreed with the Bulls for striker Gavin McCallum.
It means that the 20-year-old Canadian international, who joined the Imps last month, will be free to start the new season at Sincil Bank.
No news has emerged however, on a similar deal involving Bournemouth and Hereford over Cherries’ signing of Marc Pugh.