Welcome
to today's issue of
BOUNDARY
BULLET-zine
The
Daily On-line e-zine for Oldham Athletic Supporters Worldwide
Today's
Edition for
18th August 1999
Today's Headlines
Tait
signs on the dotted line
Michael Yarwood of the Oldham
Evening Chronicle writes, JORDAN
TAIT was poised to sign a two-year contract with Athletic today after agreeing
terms for a permanent move. The 19-year-old full-back was released by Newcastle
at the end of last season and arrives on a free transfer. He has made a
big impression on Athletic boss Andy Ritchie during a three-week trial.
The two-year deal is a sign of the faith which he has in Tait's chance
of becoming a first-team regular at Boundary Park.It
also means Athletic are almost certain to kill off their interest in versatile
defender Gerry Harrison. Sunderland's demands for a transfer fee are the
major stumbling block, but even a loan spell looks out of the question
as the wearsiders will refuse to help Athletic pay Harrison's wages. Striker
Steve Whitehall reported no ill effects from his reserve-team outing at
Preston on Monday. The 32-year-old, who has been out since April with ankle
trouble, played an hour of the match but is still well short of full fitness
after missing the entire pre-season build-up. Reserve-team goalkeeper David
Miskelly played for Northern Ireland under-21s in a fine 3-1 win over France
last night. Two of the goals came from Manchester United's David Healy.
Teamtalk
Oldham
Boss explains
all!
New signing Jordon Tait earned his contract
on the back of a superb performance for the reserves on Monday evening,
it has been revealed. The 19 year old has been training at Boundary Park
for the last three weeks but it was his super show for the reserves that
prompted Andy Ritchie to offer the player a two year contract.
Tait, who was released by Newcastle
this summer, was recommended by former Latics star Carl Serrant, who is
of course now a Newcastle player. Serrant unfortunately damaged his knee
ligaments last Sunday and could be out for the entire season.
Tait can play in either full back
roles and Ritchie believes he may have found a new Denis Irwin. He claims:
"Jordan is quick and he can nick the ball from forwards. His passing is
good and he looks very comfortable on the ball. He also has a great engine
and looks as if he can run up and down a pitch all day. Tait almost joined
Hartlepool last month but that deal feel through for financial reasons.
FIFA interjection
costs money
A FIFA ruling means that the game against
Millwall scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday will be postponed, costing the
Latics valuable gate money. FIFA have told the club that they must call
off the game because Millwall have three players on international duty.
Chief Executive Alan Hardy had complained
that one of the call-up's was just to attend a training squad as part of
the Sydney 2000 build-up. The Football League backed him in his protest
but they have been over-ruled by FIFA, the world governing body.
Hardy said: "It is very disappointing
to lose a Bank Holiday fixture. It was scheduled for an afternoon kick-off
and we were expecting a very good crowd." A new date has yet to be fixed
for the rearranged game but it is almost certainly now going to be a night
match.
Kelly standing
by
Gary Kelly, never capped at senior level,
has been placed on stand-by for the latest Republic of Ireland squad. Gary's
brother Alan has been named in the squad, whilst by a curious quirk of
fate there are two Gary Kelly's on stand-by, the other being the Leeds
United defender.
Contributions and letters should
be sent to Gary Davies
by e-mail at GaryDavies@pinevilla1897.freeserve.co.ukThe
views expressed on this e-zine are not the views of Oldham Athletic
F.C. nor necessarily the views of the EditorAny
complaints will be dealt with swiftlyThe
editor will not publish any letters containing bad languageThis
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