Monday 22nd June 2009 will go down as a momentous day in the history of Down At The Mac. Not only has the shop opened – with the Andy Booth t-shirt now on sale! – but Terrier24, a reliable source of transfer rumours suggests that Town are about to pull off a signing that will “be all over the papers”.

The one name on everyone’s lips is Kevin Phillips. It is common knowledge that the Birmingham striker is good friends with Town manager Lee Clark, and rumours about the ex-England ace have been doing the rounds since January. I guess all we can do is just sit and wait…

With about 6 weeks to go before the hallowed transfer window opens (1st July), the rumours have already started circulating as Town fans expect a busy Summer of ins and outs from the club. The need for a striker has never been greater at the club, especially with the retirement of Andy Booth and release of Danny Cadamarteri. Phil Jevons and Keigan Parker have not found form this season, which leaves Town with not one effective centre forward in the squad. Lee Clark has surely identified this as number one priority for signings, and the usual names such as Kevin Phillips, Jon Stead and Danny Graham have already started doing the rounds.

Another position that Clark will be hoping to fill is in a defensive role. Nathan Clarke and Andy Butler have been strong this season, but the team needs strength in depth if they are to mount that elusive promotion push that they are capable of. Lee Clark has already expressed his desire to bring Liverpool defender Martin Kelly back to the club, after the promising youngster impressed in both full-back positions during his loan spell. One name in the hat is Antony Kay, who is meant to have turned down a new deal at Tranmere and is on his way to the Galpharm. Kay is primarily a centre-back, but can also play in the hole just ahead of the defence so would fit the bill perfectly.

Either way, Town fans are not expecting a huge influx of players as the squad is only five or six good players away from being one of the best in the division. I, for one, have complete faith that Lee Clark can get his men and the whole team can hit the ground running come the beginning of August.

The loan transfer window shut today at 17:00. On the final day Town brought in one player, with one more recalled, one loaned out and one loan extended.

16:33 – Liverpool’s 18 year old defender Martin Kelly joins on loan until the end of the season.

16:11 – Jon Worthington has been recalled from his loan spell at Yeovil Town. He is banned though for Saturdays trip to Hereford United.

15:24 – Keigan Parker extends his loan spell at Hartlepool United until the end of the season.

15:24 – Defender Joe Skarz joins Hartlepool United until the end of the season.

14:01 – Town captain Chris Lucketti turns down a move to Brighton & Hove Albion after Town accept Brightons offer.

12:09 – Former Town defender Frank Sinclair leaves Lincoln City to join Wycombe Wanderers until end of season.

Rumours suggest that Danny Graham is still in talks with Town as well as another club, believed to be Preston North End. Town’s bid is reported to be around the £320-350k mark, which is £100,000 more than the original declined bid last week. Graham’s goal in Carlisle’s 2-0 win against Leeds at the weekend will have done nothing to deter the unlooking scouts, so whether Town can persaude him to help the club’s promotion push is another matter.

townfan4ever claims that the Graham deal is done and dusted and set to be announced on Friday, whilst also suggesting that Town are looking at Rangers forward Alan Gow, who is willing to drop down to League One. Gow has just failed a medical at Wolves, but Sky Sports reports that both Blackpool (where Gow spent a 4 month loan spell until January 1st) and Leeds (currently managed by Simon Grayson, who brought Gow to Blackpool originally) are interested in the player.