Latics go POSH
Pie-eaters choke

ATHLETIC have made an improved contract offer to Richard Graham after the injury-plagued player rejected the initial package put before him. Chief executive Alan Hardy believes Graham, who could leave on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, would be hard pressed to better the latest deal. "Richard would be very lucky to get a better offer in view of his medical record," claimed Mr Hardy. He explained the sticking point was primarily the length of the new contract. Mr Hardy, who had been told by Graham's agent the original offer was unacceptable, said the length of the deal had been extended. 

He added: "It is only a couple of years ago that Richard had a major operation on his knee and the medical reports were not good. Since then he has had other injuries and we cannot commit the club to an excessive contract when there are doubts about his condition. "We have gone as far as we can after carefully discussing his medical record. You have to bear in mind Richard has started only about 30 games in the last two seasons." But Mr Hardy reiterated Athletic's desire for Graham to stay, saying the terms of the new contract reflect this. He said: "We realise a fully-fit Richard Graham is a major asset to the club and we have made him the maximum offer we feel we can." 

Graham, who says he is considering the deal, explained that he doesn't want to leave. But he added he has to do what is best for his young family. Graham pointed out that initially he was only offered a six-month contract but that has now been upped to one year. He said: "That was disappointing in view of the length of time I have been here. "I know I have had my injury troubles in the last two years, but hopefully I am over them. "My knee is causing no problem and the other injuries were more niggles than anything serious. Hopefully, I can concentrate on playing next season and get a good run clear of injury. "I don't want to leave —that would be the last option — and hopefully we can come to an agreement, sooner rather than later.'' 

Andy Clarke's goal after 74 minutes decided a rollercoaster third division play-off in favour of Peterborough. He blasted the ball home at the second attempt for his 18th goal of a wonderful season culminating in promotion for Posh. Darlington outplayed United for most of the match but all the clear-cut chances fell to the Barry Fry's side. The Quakers started much the better, adapting well to the wet conditions. In the opening minutes ex-Sunderland and Derby striker Marco Gabbiadini struck a powerful right-foot shot inches wide. After 13 minutes, Gabbiadini easily beat Posh skipper Andrew Edwards. This time his goalbound effort was deflected over. After a break down the Quakers' right, left-back Adam Drury left the field for treatment to his gashed head.

United were lucky not to fall behind after a clever one-two between Peter Duffield and Michael Oliver. The diminutive Duffield finished tamely when well placed. Posh's best chance of the half came moments after Drury's re-introduction on the half-hour mark. Former Manchester City and Leicester frontman David Oldfield out-foxed Darlington's Neil Aspin on the left but his powerfully driven shot was blocked for a corner. Drury eventually had to leave the field two minutes before the interval before being replaced by Ritchie Hanlon. In between Quaker midfielder Neil Heaney played a downward header just past the left-hand upright from a Craig Liddle cross. Five minutes after half-time, former Wimbledon striker Clarke out paced the sluggish Aspin to scamper clear. He was clean through on the excellent Andy Collett's goal but side-footed the wrong side of a right-hand upright. Four minutes later a well worked move down the Darlington right produced a terrific save by Posh goalkeeper Mark Tyler.

Heaney was checked and passed back to team-mate Gabbiadini but his driven shot produced a wonder save from Tyler. It proved vital as United forged ahead in the 74th minute. Clarke had just been foiled by Quaker right-back Craig Liddle's goal saving tackle before he grabbed the all-important goal. Posh's combatative midfielder Jon Cullen won the ball in the air on the edge of the Quaker's penalty area. Clarke's first time half-volley was blocked splendidly by Collett who was unlucky to see the ball rebound back to Clarke and this time he made no mistake. Boro's Hanlon, Oldfield, and substitute Francis Green all had late chances to settle the game. And in a frantic finale Darlington's Steve Tutill and substitute Naylor, twice could have equalised at any moment.

 Oldham's link with Finland has borne its first fruit with two teenagers signing three year scholarships at Boundary Park. Goalkeeper Mikko Muurimaki and midfielder Toni Leonoff have come to Oldham as part of the two year association between the Latics and Finnish club FC Jokerit. Youth development officer Ron Millward said:"We have had lads over from Finland before, but these are the first two to sign." Meanwhile, as reported earlier on TEAMtalk, Oldham are still keen to pursue their link with Premiership side Leeds United despite an early indication that the football league is unhappy with the proposals. Leeds are planning to take a 9.9 percent stake in the Latics and are awaiting a further ruling on the proposal. However, both sides are confident of joining forces.

 The discount deadline for season tickets at Boundary Park expires on Wednesday May 31. This weekend is the last weekend before the 15 percent discount is removed and fans are reminded that the ticket office will be closed on Sunday and on Bank Holiday Monday. The ticket office is however open from 9 am to 5 pm on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

 Andy Ritchie has just one target in mind for the new season, and that's promotion to Division One. The manager feels it is a realistic target, and he believes the Latics have the players to achieve it. Ritchie said: "The current squad is not far away from staging a promotion challenge, but we definitely need a striker who knows the game, we may even need two." He added: "Goals win game and I have said before that we haven't got the player who can stick away 20 goals a season. Apart from up front we are covered in every position expect the left hand side." "Last season was a learning curve and I am sure it will stand us in good stead for the coming campaign."

The Latics youngsters will pack their bags next week for a mini tour of Scotland. The Under 13's and 14's have a three match programme starting on Tuesday, when both sides take on Ayr United. The following Thursday it's off to Largs to take on Kilmarnock, then on June 3rd the travel to Dumfries to face Queen of the South. Latics Chief Youth scout Ron Millward said: "It gives us a chance to see how the kids manage being away from home, because that's very important in football."

The Latics will continue interviewing applicants for the vacant post of Director of Youth. A six man short-list will now cut even further for second interviews next week.The Vacancy has arisen following the departure of Peter Owe, who left in March by mutual consent.

When Kevin Sharp was sent off for a second bookable offence close to the end of normal time Wigan looked out of contention, but they took an incredible extra-time lead through Barlow after Darren Sheridan was upended by Barry Ashby. Trailing 2-1 with just seven minutes to go, the Gills seemed to have blown their promotion chance for the second successive year but Junior Lewis crossed for Butler, whose bullet header gave Latics keeper Derek Stillie no chance. And with the dreaded spot-kick shoot-out looming, Peter Taylor's side snatched victory - and promotion - when Thomson latched onto Ty Gooden's centre and guided his header into the far corner. Super sub Butler, who had replaced Iffy Onuora, said: "I feel sorry for Wigan but I think we deserved it this year after what happened last year." "Both subs have come on and scored and it's a great feeling. Thomson, who came on for Barry Ashby, said: "It was a great ball into the box and I just got in front of the defender to make the header. We've done fantastic this season and this just caps it all off."