Deadline Day

Last updated : 24 March 2005 By Peter Bulkeley
The big news for both sets of Hatters fans today is that Warren Feeney has signed for the Hatters from Stockport in a £150,000 deal. Feeney will be unavailable for selection over the Easter holidays as he will be on duty for Northern Ireland, but when he comes back he will wear the number 4 shirt. Feeney signed for Stockport in the summer, although Luton tried to sign him then as well, and both Bill Tomlins and Mike Newell have expressed their delight in signing Feeney. Personally, I predict that Feeney will score a hat-trick on Saturday at Old Trafford to celebrate, but I think England will win 4-3, with Stuart Elliot getting injured by David Beckham.

Other action in the transfer market today has seen Sheffield Wednesday sign Zigor Aranalde on a free transfer from Walsall and Graham Barrett on loan from Coventry City. Graham has been edged out the first eleven at Coventry, partly due to the form of ex-Luton striker Gary McSheffrey. Sheffield Wednesday are currently fourth in the league and could pose a threat to the top three. Manager Paul Sturrock will be hoping the signing of Graham Barrett will bolster his sides firepower.

Only one transfer has taken part involving the 2nd and 3rd teams Hull and Tranmere. Michael Keane has completed a move to Rotherham from the Tigers after a loan spell at Millmoor. The Yorkshire outfit have also signed ex-striker Tony Thorpe on loan from QPR to try and save their Championship status. Tony has failed to impress since going behind Luton's back to sign for QPR.

Other teams that could possibly pose a threat to Luton are Hartlepool and Brentford. Neale Cooper has strengthened his squad with the signings of ex-Sunderland midfielder Thomas Butler and ex-England defender Steve Howey. Brentford have been busy on deadline day, signing three players to try and help them into the play-offs. Two of these are from Watford - Scott Fitzgerald has signed for an undisclosed fee and Marcus Gayle has joined on a free transfer, and surley the Kenilworth Road faithful will welcome them warmly to Luton at the end of April. Brentford have also signed Jerome Sobers on loan from promotion chasing Ipswich.

Other moves which may interest Luton fans but probably won't are Trent McClenahan and Craig Westcarr joining Franchise FC on loan. Franchise visit Kenilworth Road on the 16th, so expect the Oak Road end to be empty that day. Watford have signed defender Danny Cullip on loan from Sheffield United, whilst Danny Webber has gone to Sheffield United on loan. Two ex-Luton players have also changed clubs today - Andy Petterson has joined Farnborough on a free transfer, and Efe Sodje has joined League Two leaders Yeovil on a free transfer.