Think it's all part of a jigsaw that will hopefully soon fall into place.
Pritchard released
Abdul to Dobbins
Kelly to FC

Maybe all parts being finalised before it's all announced.

.....and close to Garbutts (just being facetious). If he behaves himself he would be a hell of a signing Hope it happens as the rewards outweigh the risks.

That sounds good to me but where does Michaels fit in with this? if he goes I'd rather give Naughton a chance on the wing and use the quota place to bring in a forward. There must be plenty of cap left even if Kelly signs.

Seems very quiet on that front.
Thought it was close to being done weeks ago.
Must be looking at other players for it not to be announced?

Maybe just waiting to see what cap space is left.

... or maybe there are visas/work permits still to sort out.
The bother he was in a couple of years ago hasn't gone away.
Most of the others involved had charges dropped, but I don't think that is the case with Michaels.
Probably because he hasn't been back to Aus to be interviewed.

When's pre-season training start?
Presume squad will be in place by then?

.... 14th November, I think.

That's right all conditioning and coaching staff back next week early starter players the week after, senior players the week after that.

That doesn't make sense, given there is no extradition order which for pending drugs offences would be easy to accquire and would have happened long back. Not getting a visa for not being guilty or 'wanted' for any crime would make no logical sense, particularly if he has been offered a contract of employment which by his own words he has.

So an Australian police arrest warrant will have no bearing on an application to renew his visa/work permit.
You know best, I guess.

I've heard from a mate at work Naughton to rovers on loan is near enough done...personally I can't see it happening

I'll be disappointed if he is allowed to go out on loan. With the uncertainty surrounding the Michaels deal he is good enough to replace. He also has pace which is something we lack.

Yeah, I'd like to see Naughton given a shot next year, however I can't see it happening due to Radford going for strength and power...unfortunately we're going to have to give up a bit of pace. Although I'm a fan of Michaels I don't think we should be offering him another contract, nor do I think we should use a quota spot bringing in another winger as it has been suggested. Kelly for me is a must, he offers what we've lacked for years and he will be a cracking signing. If the reports are true regarding how Pritchard has left I'll be very disappointed. He didn't have the best season but he was never properly used. He is best as a ball playing second row running at the little uns' not through the middle. We've been going on about team spirit all year and for all this to come out about Pritchard, it goes against everything we've been building towards.

Nobody knows how, why or even if Pritchard has left - the only "story" being hurriedly withdrawn but not before causing lots of bad feeling.

FWIW I don't think we'll see him again.