MILLWALL boss George Graham is looking for a big man to use up front. Graham, away on a coaching course, wants the new man to provide competition for top scorer Dean Neal and also to take some of the weight off him.

One of the players he has had watched is Chelsea’s Clive Walker, but Graham's interest has cooled and I wouldn't be surprised if he switches to another Chelsea attacker. 

Millwall boss George Graham is after Oxford Striker Mick Vinter – the trouble is so are several other clubs.

“He is available, I have spoken to him and offered him good terms.” Graham said. “He is now talking to other clubs and I have left it at that.” 

“Strikers are at a premium just now. Seventy Five percent of managers I speak to are after strikers. So, though I need one, so far I have had no luck.” 

Graham is meanwhile determined to keep unsettled defender Dave Martin.

Martin wants to leave the den and one club has already made an enquiry, but Graham plans to hold onto to him if possible.

Millwall manager George Graham has called a halt to transfer dealings while he takes his team on a week-long work out in Suffolk.

by Brian Alexander

Graham has made enquires for Oxford striker Vinter and Aldershot front runner Dale Banton, but there are unlikely to be any immediate developments.

Meanwhile Millwall take on Colchester today in the first of their pre-season friendlies. They also have home games arranged against Aston Villa (August 4), Charlton (August 11) and Luton (August 17).

Graham said “I’m putting the players through an extremely tough programme, but they are responding very well." 

by Brian Stater

MILLWALL are locked in a bottle to sign star striker Mick Vinter.

Lions chief George Graham has offered Oxford £25,000 for the free-scoring forward - but fears Vinter may go to Second Division Barnsley. 

Graham said, "Mick is a player of real pedigree. He played in all Oxford's matches last season, including their defeat of Manchester United in the Milk Cup. "I've made him what I feel is a very good offer, but I know several other clubs are after him.

Barnsley have been in for him and there's a chance that he might prefer to play in the Second Division. Thirty-year-old Vinter has told Graham he will give Millwall his answer as soon as possible, but is unlikely to make up his mind before Oxford chief Jim Smith returns from holiday on Monday.

Neal and Kevin Bremner could leave the Lions desperately short of cover.

In total, Vinter has scored well over 100 goals in a League career that has spanned 330 games. Meanwhile Millwall were this week cleared of responsibility for crowd trouble that occurred after their Associate Members' Cup match at Bournemouth in May.

Charged

Referee John Martin was involved in a melee when fans came on to the pitch at the final  whistle. Both clubs were charged by the FA with failing to take responsible precautions against the outbreak. 

But a three-man team, led by FA disciplinary committee chairman Les Mackay, ruled that both clubs were in the clear. Manager Graham, who argued the Lions' case, said, "It Was a very fair hearing. I'm delighted with the outcome." 

by Terry Bushell

MILLWALL'S attacking midfielder Steve Lowndes has at long last fully recovered from his broken toe.

He started training yesterday (Wednesday) to end six months of misery. Lowndes was stretchered off the field on January 2 during the 2-0 defeat at Bolton.

The injury was horrific with the bone poking through his boot. Complications set in and  he was in and out of hospital for months. All that is now hopeful behind him. 

Lowndes was jubilant when given the all-clear to resume training and, providing he regains full overall fitness in time, could even be back in time for the new League season.

Millwall are training this Week at Shotley near Ipswich, and tomorrow make the short trip to Colchester for a friendly.

Graham concentrating this week on a grueling training programme to get his players match fit, plans to sign a new striker are held in abeyance.

Main targets are Mick Vinter of Oxford and Aldershot's Dale Banton. There are problems with both. Vinter has been talking to several other clubs, while Banton has bee n priced at an unrealistic £100,000. 

Banton, 23 - cousin of former Charlton favourite Paul Elliot, has spent two years at Aldershot after learning his trade with West Ham. Aldershot upped the price after a Division club enquired after him. Graham reckons the player is worth less than half that amount.

Banton scored 28 goals in his opening season at Aldershot and last season contributed to the team's promotion drive.

by Brian Stater

George Graham has hit a fresh snag in his plan to bring a striker to The Den. The Millwall manager is keen to sign Aldershot ace Dale Banton - but has been baulked by a £100,000 price tag. 

Graham has shown strong interest in the 23-year-old Banton, who has completed two seasons with Aldershot after leaving West Ham.

I understand a First Division club has made an approach for Banton, and Aldershot have the price accordingly.

An angry Graham said, "A fee of £100,000 is far too high for a player like Banton. I feel £40,000 would be far more realistic." 

this summer in a part exchange deal for midfield man Andy Massey. 

London-born Banton hit 28 goals in his first season with Aldershot and made a big impact as the side challenged for promotion last season.

The signing of a new striker, would almost certainly wrap up Graham's pre-season dealings. He has strengthened the squad by introducing midfield man Tony Kinsella and Les Briley and defender Lindsay Smith, and is keen that there should be, competition for places in the team.