MATT Heywood's proposed defection to Bristol City has been hit by a spanner in the works quite literally.

The defender was poised to sign for Town's local rivals on his return from holiday today.

But aeroplane engine failure means his return flight from the Dominican Republic has been delayed by 24 hours while maintenance work is carried out.

He will not be back on British soil until the early hours of tomorrow morning and he now faces a race against time to seal the deal, with City boss Brian Tinnion scheduled to fly out on a vacation of his own later in the day.

Mick Harford's Rotherham were also in the hunt for the 25-year-old, who turned down a new deal from Andy King at the end of the season.

But City's offer of a three-year contract proved the most tempting.

"The deal has been agreed and I was supposed to be signing on Tuesday," confirmed Heywood, a regular at the heart of Town's defence since signing from Burnley in 2000.

"But my flight has been put back 24 hours it's an all inclusive holiday so it means I get an extra day of eating and drinking for free.

"But I won't be getting back now until Wednesday morning and the City gaffer is going away himself on Wednesday.

"Hopefully I get back before he goes, but I'm sure it will all be sorted out."

So while Town fans will be happy to hear Heywood's move to their League One foes has been put on ice, it will only be a temporary reprieve.