Speculation on future of Hodges and McCombe

Last updated : 12 May 2002 By Luke Thornhill
Could be facing United next season
Hodges was released by manager Brian Laws after a frustrating season out on the right wing and on the substitutes bench.

Hull City and Oxford United now seem likley to sign the extremely talented player, either side would benefit hugely from his skills.

Leyton Orient and Darlington have also both been linked with him, though Orient manager Paul Brush has admitted that meeting his wage demands would be a problem.

Wages would not be a problem for Darlo if the chairman George Reynolds decided to dip into his millions, but he has always insisted that the club has to break even - althoguh he has funded a new 25000 seater stadium for the North East outfit.

As for 19-year-old Jamie McCombe, Derby County are believed to have stepped up their interest in the central defender.

County are managed by Scunthorpe born John Gregory who was in charge of Aston Villa when they first registered their interest in the player.

Aston Villa, managed by Graham Taylor who grew up in Scunny, appear to be firm favourites for the player though after he impressed in a trial with the Premiership outfit and was told his progress would be monitored over the coming season.

“I thought I did alright in the friendly game although I had to come off on sixty minutes. I just won my tackles and headers and then just gave it to a good player," McCombe told SUFC's official site today.

“They told me to go out and do what I do best, so I thought play it simple win my tackles and headers.

“Graham Taylor wasn't actually at the game but John Deehan the assistant manager said keep myself fit and they will monitor me next season.

“My aim next season is to start the campaign as first choice centre half and hopefully I will do that and maintain it through the season.”

Another player who could be leaving Glanford Park in the near future is Andrew Dawson, with Norwich City the favourites for his signature.

The Canaries were in Cardiff today competing in the first division playoff final against Birmingham. Promotion to the Premiership might have seen their interest in Andy cool, however with their agonising penalty defeat to Birmingham City they will be a first division club next season.

Andy could definately do a job at that level, so it seems likely he'll be off.
Norwich: Still in first division