Going, Staying, Going, Staying, Going

Who knows? Everyone seems to have a story on Nicky Maynard's future except the club. Ipswich and Bristol City are two clubs who continue to be linked with him, but whether they're serious suitors or just trying to pull a fast one is another question.

The amount of press the East Anglian Daily Times have given the story in recent weeks (10 mentions in 3 weeks) leaves you a little sceptical. Would it be too cynical to suggest Jim Magilton is playing a little game in the hope Nicky forces the club into accepting a cut price fee? After all, he was happy to speak to Nicky's agent before talking money with the club.

On Wednesday the East Anglian Daily Times reported that the two clubs were close to agreeing a fee for Maynard after negotiations. Ipswich aren't the only ones either, it's also been reported down south that Bristol City are throwing bids at us left, right and centre for Nicky.

Tuesday night's friendlies brought new rumours, with Maynard taking in the Biddulph game after picking up a shin injury in training. Stoke City continue to crop up, as do Middlesbrough. Both of whom he'll have signed for by the end of the summer. Or maybe he'll just stay here. No-one's quite sure. It is more likely even the rumour mongers have gone green and are recycling.

One thing is for sure. No-one's willing to cough up Maynard's value of £2million; and you have to be honest and say it's a nice surprise to see Maynard still a Crewe player. I didn't think he would see out May, never mind June & July (touch wood), at Gresty Road back in April.

Will we see him here at the end of August? Well, that probably depends who the panic buyers are. However, the longer this goes on the more I see him in a Crewe shirt next season. Have we finally priced others out of the market without upsetting the player? Let's bloody well hope so.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.