LEE CLARK is talking to Andy Holdsworth about a new Town contract – and could give the fit-again defender a run-out in tomorrow’s big Galpharm reserve derby against Leeds.
Town, whose second string remain unbeaten and top of the table with three totesport.com League East Division games to go, expect a four-figure gate to attend the potential title decider, which kicks-off at 7.00.
Leeds, who expect to bring a decent following themselves, are a point behind Town, whose goal difference is +22 compared to the Elland Road side’s +14.
Hartlepool, third on 18 points and with a goal difference of +11, are also in the shake-up.
The game should attract Town’s biggest second-team attendance since 5,012 saw then-manager Peter Jackson make a farewell playing appearance in the 5-1 win over West Bromwich in April, 1998.
Such is the interest that the only area of the Galpharm which will be open, the Direct Golf UK Stand lower tier, will be segregated (turnstiles 1-4 for home fans and 13-16 for Leeds).
Town season-ticket holders get in free, otherwise it’s £3.50 adults and £1 concessions.
Right-back Holdsworth was an unused substitute for Saturday’s 1-0 League I home setback against Southend after missing the previous three games because of an ankle injury.
A reserve outing would act as a useful sharpener ahead of the Easter double header of Scunthorpe (away on Friday) and Carlisle (home on Monday).
The 25-year-old academy product, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has indicated his desire to remain and Clark said: "We’d like to keep him at the club and talks with Andy and his agent are ongoing."
Meanwhile left-back Robbie Williams is back in full training after missing the last two games with a groin injury.
The ex-Barnsley man could also figure in tomorrow’s reserve clash with Leeds, who have a League I game at Leyton Orient tonight.
