Leeds date change

FOOTBALL'S governing bodies are to change their rules this summer to allow Athletic's ground-breaking youth initiative with Leeds United to go ahead. The proposed link-up, which could be worth £1million to the hard-up Boundary Park club, has been put on hold for the time being. But Alan Hardy, Athletic's chief executive, has learned from Leeds that the Premier League, Football League and Football Association intend to amend their constitutions to enable it to proceed. "We are delighted to hear from Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale that they intend to proceed with the link once the various bodies have changed their rules," explained Mr Hardy.

He added that the three governing bodies realise the only way forward for clubs like Athletic is to develop young English talent, which is why they are willing to remove the red tape currently blocking the venture. Mr Hardy went on: "We also have to make sure there are enough players produced for the England team, otherwise the national side will suffer in the long term. "Clubs should be encouraged in any way possible to develop their own players, which can only be for the future good of the game." Mr Ridsdale has confirmed that the proposals contravene current Football League regulations. They involve Leeds Sporting Youth Development paying half the cost of operating Athletic's Centre of Excellence for the next five years. 

Leeds would also have taken a 9.9 per cent holding in Athletic as part of the package — though this is unlikely to proceed even after the rule changes. Mr Ridsdale said: "As it stands, the deal breaches Football League rules about being involved in more than one club. "But everybody sympathises with the plan because it would be good for English football. "It was never going to be straightforward, but I have been told by that the relevant football bodies are going to amend their rules at their annual meetings. "I fully expect we will continue with this project and I have told Oldham to carry on as agreed." Current rules restrict teams to signing under-16 players from within a 90-minute radius of that club's academy. By linking with Athletic, Leeds would be able to keep an eye on young talent on this side of the Pennines. Mr Hardy added that Athletic are disappointed not to have heard the news from the Football League directly, saying they only learned of it through Mr Ridsdale.

Meanwhile, Matthew Tipton's late-season form has earned him a recall to the Welsh under-21 squad for a triangular tournament. Tipton, who scored three times in Athletic's last six games, hopes to add to his three caps against Scotland, on May 31, and Northern Ireland, on June 2.

 The Latics are still waiting to hear if Richard Graham is ready to pledge his immediate future to the club. He has been offered a new contract but has asked for a little time to think it over. The deal on the table is only a short term deal due to a series of injuries the have restricted his number of appearances to just 15 in the last two seasons. The 25 year old, may well decide to wait and see if there is any other interest in him this summer with clubs able to take him on a free if they wish. However, although he can leave for free under the Bosman Ruling he will have to show he is back to full fitness before he gets a better deal at Boundary Park.

 Due to Leeds United's involvement in the Champions League qualifiers the pre-season that takes place against them has been moved to August 6th. The Champions League campaign for Leeds starts on August 9th and Leeds have a number of pre-season commitments to fit in which has meant a re-shuffle of their pre-season dates. The match on Sunday, August 6th will kick off at 3pm.