Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has joined Stoke City on a two-month loan.

Hendrie told his new club’s official website: “[Villa manager] Martin [O'Neill] spoke to me and said he has me in his plans and when I asked about maybe going out on loan he said it was a good idea.

“I want to try to get my confidence back up, and go back and see if they will give me a chance.

“I need to get back to the form that I had a few seasons ago and prove to myself that I can get back to that level.”

Newcastle United have re-signed veteran ‘keeper Pavel Srnicek.

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder told his club’s official website: “I haven’t really come across Pav before but after watching him in training this week I have to say he is in great shape.

“We invited him to the game with Everton last Sunday from Italy where he is living at the moment and he made such an impact on us we then asked him to train with us this week.

“He’s 38 but he really is superfit and there is no way anyone can say he is past it. And don’t forget keepers like David Seaman played until they were 40.

“I have to say that Pav has looked great in training and by bringing him back until the end of the year it will be great for our team spirit.

“He will be good for our young keeper Tim Krul and they tell me him and Steve Harper got on like a house on fire when the pair of them were here before.

“He was still playing football in Portugal in May and if we need him we will all have complete confidence in him.”

Brighton have given caretaker Dean Wilkins the manager’s job on a permanent basis until the end of the season.

Brighton chairman Dick Knight told his club’s official website: “I am delighted to be able to make these appointments today. Through the intensive period of games over the last few weeks, Dean Wilkins has convinced the board that he has the makings of a very good manager and we have been impressed by the level of commitment and preparation that he has put into each of the matches.

“All the players and staff have responded well to the two Deans, and I am looking forward to working with them in taking this club forward.”

Wilkins said: “I am extremely proud and humble to be given the opportunity to continue to make the necessary changes required to take the club forward in this transitional period.”

He added: “We have a very talented, but young squad and it is now imperative that we all get behind them and give them every ounce of support we possibly can – starting from tomorrow’s match with Chesterfield.”

Coventry City have rejected an approach from West Bromwich Albion for manager Micky Adams.

Coventry managing director Paul Fletcher told his club’s official website: “Micky Adams is an important part of this club and we owe it to our fans and our players to keep him here.

“He is doing a magnificent job and at a time when we’re looking to move forward, Micky is an integral part of our plans.”