Allen to hold McPhee talks

MARTIN ALLEN has confirmed he will hold talks with primary target Chris McPhee this week.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been offered a new deal by Kidderminster Harriers, where he spent the second half of last season, but Allen is hoping the lure of the Football League will be enough to prise him away from Aggborough.

McPhee is based in Newton Abbot and is thought to be keen on a move closer to his Devon home and although Cheltenham is far from local, it is closer than Worcestershire club Kidderminster and would significantly reduce his travelling time.

Allen is targeting one more permanent signing as well as two long-term loans before the new campaign kicks off on August 8 with a home match against Grimsby Town.

"Chris is one of a number of players I am meeting this week, so we will see how we get on with him," Allen said.

"I don't want to highlight him too much because it's not just him, but I'd like one more player to sign and two more loans to join us, so that's what we are looking at and trying to do."

Allen also refused to rule out returns for old boys Damian Spencer, Paul Connor or Andy Lindegaard, who were all told to look elsewhere at the end of last season, but were also informed the door would not be closed for them at Cheltenham.

"I am definitely not ruling any of them out because they are all still available," he said. "They live locally and we wouldn't have to pay relocation money and they are good lads, too."

There have not yet been any inquiries about transfer-listed duo John Finnigan or Josh Low.

Having studied the fixture list upon his return from holiday, Allen said he was particularly looking forward to the second weekend of the campaign when his side visited local rivals Hereford United, who completed a win double over Cheltenham last term but finished below them at the foot of the League One table.

"I can't wait for the first game, but I am particularly looking forward to the first away game," Allen said.

"The away game at Hereford last season (3-0 defeat) was horrendous. The home game (3-2 defeat), when they scored from two free-kicks, was a massive blow and I know the supporters felt it as well that day.

"I certainly felt it after Ian Westlake had hit the post which could have put us 3-0 up and they went on to come back and win it."