Cheltenham boss to run the rule over hopefuls

CHELTENHAM Town will include two trialists in their squad to face Burnley Under-23s in today’s preseason friendly, writes Jon Palmer.

The first is creative midfielder Jake Gray, who appeared on loan for the Robins from Crystal Palace during the 2014/15 campaign, making four appearances. He also appeared for Hartlepool United on loan from Palace before spells at Luton Town and Yeovil Town. The 23-year-old left Yeovil following their relegation from the Football League last season and is a free agent.

The second trialist is forward Jonte Smith, a Bermuda international who finished last season at Oxford United in League One. The 6ft 1in 25-yearold also appeared in the third tier for Crawley Town in 2012/13.

Smith, who scored 56 goals in 121 games for non-league Lewes before joining Oxford in February this year, spent time at Gloucester City in 2015, when the Tigers’ temporary home ground was Whaddon Road.

He has been representing his county in the Concacaf Gold Cup this summer, having scored once during Bermuda’s successful qualification campaign.

Gray and Smith are likely to be on the bench against Burnley, but both could start Tuesday night’s friendly at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Former England defender Micah Richards has retired aged 31, due to a knee problem, He made his only senior England appearance in 2006 against Holland, becoming the Three Lions’ youngest-ever defender.

England Netball have named Jess Thirlby as their new head coach after the departure of Tracey Neville following last week’s World Cup bronze medal. Thirlby played for England for 15 years.