Ex-Wanderers on the move

Last updated : 11 August 2003 By Mark Heys
During the summer many of our former players had faced an uncertain future having been released on Bosman transfers by their clubs but now it seems that many of them are fixed up with new teams for the new season.

Steve Banks signed for Wimbledon on Friday on a short term deal following Stoke City's surprise decision to release him at the end of last season. Banks who played for Bolton between 1999 and 2002 joins ex-Wanderers Dean Holdsworth and Darren Holloway at Selhurst Park.

Another goalkeeper Gavin Ward, a former Wanderer between 1996 and 1999 left his role as Walsall understudy at the end of last season and is now linking up with Coventry City for a similar spell.

Mike Whitlow who left the Wanderers at the end of last season joined up with Sheffield United whilst Chris Armstrong has re-signed for his first club Wrexham following a 12-year gap.

Two ex-Wanderers have moved into non-league football following their clubs decision to release them. Former Manchester United and Everton player John O'Kane who was with the Wanderers until 2001 and more recently at Blackpool has now joined Hyde United whilst also working in the property market. Ian Stevens has returned to the North West to join Barrow following Shrewsbury Town's relegation from the League.