Paterson to leave Stoke?

It is reported that Martin Paterson (pictured on the left celebrating after Lee Martin’s goal against Southampton) is set to quit the Brit amid rumours that Championship newcomers, Scunthorpe are set to secure his services.

Paterson, whose contract with the Potters expired at the end of June, had been offered a new contract by Tony Pulis, but with opportunities for the young striker seeming limited at Stoke with yet another striker (Jon Parkin) ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s not surprising that the Academy graduate has decided to look elsewhere for first team football.

Grimsby had seemed a likely club for him to move to after a good loan spell at the club last season and their public announcements that they would like to see him join the Mariners permananently, but the opportunity for regular first team football in the Championship is likely to prove too good a chance to miss. If he does leave, even though he is out of contract, the club would be guaranteed a transfer fee under the Bosman rules.