The millionaire businessman from Dublin signed heads of agreement today with Michael Knighton and a press conference on Monday will formally end the Knighton era and install Courtenay as the new owner. A four-hour video conference yesterday between the two men and their teams of lawyers is believed to have ironed out the last remaining difficulties and Courtenay will now be able to clear the PFA loan and allow his manager Roddy Collins to start signing players. The news is unlikely to have a huge effect on tonight's attendance for the Torquay game, but Saturday's visit of Cheltenham could see the biggest gate at Brunton Park for some years. The Robins will bring a large contingent north as they are chasing hard for a play-off spot. Courtenay might be persuaded to make an appearance on the pitch, even though a similar appearance by his predecessor at Old Trafford 13 years ago was famously premature. The news will also mean agreements with players to sign for next season can now be confirmed. Trevor Molloy and Brian Shelley have signed from Bohemians and Dave Morrison is in negotiations. In addition, Darren Kelly is a £100,000-plus target from Derry City. Striker Ian Stevens is struggling to be fit for the visit of the Gulls this evening. If United win, they will move 12 points clear of bottom club Halifax, who were forced to sell their best player - defender Chris Clarke - to Blackpool for £120,000 yesterday. Town were put up for sale this week and all their players are on the transfer list. |
