Palmer shelves Bennett interest

STOCKPORT COUNTY manager Carlton Palmer has ruled out bringing midfielder Tom Bennett back to Edgeley Park.

Bennett enjoyed five years with The Hatters before joining Walsall in the summer of 2000.

However, the 32-year-old has been released by The Saddlers and is on the look-out for a new club.

Speculation had suggested the Scotsman would be reunited with his former employers but the displays of Fraser McLachlan have prompted Palmer to shelve his interest in Bennett.

McLachlan forced his way into the Stockport side in the final two months of their doomed First Division campaign.

Palmer has been so impressed by the 21-year-old's performances that he has offered him a new three-year contract and knocked any notion of Bennett's return on the head.

"The form of Fraser McLachlan means I don't have to rush out and get Tom Bennett," said Palmer.

"We have offered him a new three-year deal, which he has accepted, and we are currently sorting out the paperwork.

"He has performed well in the last 11 games and was excellent at Norwich in the last game of the season.

"Tom was a player we were interested in but he wanted a two-year deal and I wasn't prepared to commit that sort of money for a player of his age.

"I realise there might come a time when I have to do that but the form of Fraser means I don't have to do it yet."