Pompey boss ties up Derry transfer

Derry travelled down last night for a medical and the formalities were tidied up this morning to allow 22-year-old Derry to be in contention for a place in the side for Saturday's crucial trip to Crewe.

Although ostensibly a defensive midfielder, the versatile Derry can operate as a central defender or right-back and has even played in goal!

He once took over between the posts at Fratton Park two seasons ago when Simon Tracey was injured and Blades' boss Neil Warnock's policy of not having a substitute keeper on the bench means he has been the designated deputy.

But Pompey boss Pulis has bought Derry for his combative qualities, and one above all.

"He wants to play for this club," said Pulis. "He's very strong, very competitive and he can play a bit, and he wants to play for Portsmouth and, at a time like this, we need as many people around us as we can who want to do that."

Pompey will pay Sheffield United an initial £300,000 for Derry, with another £300,000 to follow based on appearances.

Derry may be the first on Pulis's pre-deadline shopping list which might include keeper Russell Hoult.

Hoult's second month's loan spell from Derby ends next Tuesday and Rams boss Jim Smith will not extend it to a third.

The canny Smith may be applying pressure to raise money for his own relegation fighting fund and said: "Unless something happens he will be back here next week as a Derby player."

Pulis is thought to be keen to sign the big keeper who has impressed since his arrival and said: "We have spoken to Derby but my next step is to talk to my chairman and then we will take it from there."

Mel Machin was today tight-lipped over speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at his former club Norwich City.

Machin spent 14 years as both player and coach with the Canaries, who are looking for a new manager following Bruce Rioch's resignation.

Rioch walked out of Carrow Road on Monday because he was frustrated at the lack of cash available at the Division 1 outfit who are around £5 million in debt.

Former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton will take charge of team affairs until the end of the season and is favourite to get the job on a permanent basis.

However, Machin is still fondly remembered among supporters at Carrow Road and Canaries president Geoffrey Watling is also a long-time admirer of the Cherries boss.

Machin declined to comment on the speculation today, but said in 1987: "I worked very hard at Norwich, but I felt other people were getting the credit and I had to leave."

Machin, who worked without a contract when Cherries were in financial turmoil, signed a three-year rollover deal in October 1997 and has invested money by buying shares in the club.

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