5th October 2000  

Ritchie criticises supporters

A SPECIALIST will determine whether Shaun Garnett makes a surprise return for Athletic in Sunday’s league match at Rotherham. Central-defender Garnett, who has been absent for five matches with a broken hand, has the plaster cast removed tomorrow. “If the X-rays show the break has healed, I am hoping the specialist will give Shaun the all-clear to play,” explained manager Andy Ritchie. In that case Garnett is likely to play with a lightweight protective cast to minimise the risk of causing further damage. 

Ritchie added that Garnett has been running and doing other fitness work for the past three-and-a-half weeks pointing out that the only thing he has not been able to do is play games because of the risk of aggravating the problem. The return of Garnett would be a big lift for Athletic, who have not won a league game since the opening day of the campaign. Athletic’s cause in recent weeks has not been helped by the spine of the side being ripped out. Apart from the absence of Garnett, John Sheridan has not played since the opening day of the campaign while Carlo Corazzin will again be missing this weekend because of World Cup commitments with Canada. Midfield-general Sheridan had been hoping to return in mid-September following an operation on his knee. But what appeared a routine washing of loose debris from the joint has proved far from straightforward and he is likely to be missing for several more weeks. 

Ritchie said: “Shaun, John and Carlo are three important players who we can ill-afford to be without at the moment. To have Shaun back at Rotherham would give us a great lift because of his presence.” Garnett’s injury and the sale of Stuart Thom to Scunthorpe has left Athletic short of central-defensive cover. That is why they recently signed former Coventry player Barry Prenderville, taken Crewe’s Chris Lightfoot on loan and given a trial to former Oxford player Mark Watson. 

TEAMtalk Oldham

Defensive strongman Shaun Garnett has been into hospital to have a pin removed from a hand he broke in three places at Wrexham last month. And the centre half is now set to make his comeback in Sunday's game at Rotherham, although he will have to play with a lightweight protective caste. Garnett said: "I can't wait. "It has been really frustrating sitting on the sidelines but I have been working hard with the physio. "In fact, I have probably been training even more than usual because you have to make up for not playing in games."

Andy Ritchie has called on his struggling side to start concentrating on the battle ahead. The Latics have gone 10 games without a win and plunged to next-to-bottom after taking a miserable three points from the last 27 on offer. Ritchie said: "I can't put my finger on what is wrong, I wish I could. "But the players have got to start to concentrate and switch on for a full 90 minutes. "I can't get them to do that at the moment and there is no easy answer when it doesn't happen. "I can't go to the board and ask for more money because I know there isn't any to give out. "Clubs like ours find it hard to survive and we just have to get on with it. "We can't bring players on board because of our situation. "We have to get the right player for the right area at the right price and it takes time to do that."
 

Ritchie added: "As well as concentration we also need more bite, but again that is hard to instil in players if it isn't already there.
"It annoys me that players don't do things we have told them. "It is very frustrating, but we just aren't being strong enough at the moment. " The boss also spoke of his disappointment at how some of the fans had been reacting this season especially towards both Billy Urmson and himself. He said: Some people should take a long hard look at themselves. Slagging me and Billy off is doing no-one any favours and maybe they should concentrate their efforts on getting behind the players."

Teamtalk Rotherham

David Artell will return after suspension for this weekend's game against Oldham, but Guy Branston will be missing as he serves a one match ban. Meanwhile, Trevor Berry should be okay to play after turning out for the reserves in midweek. However, Stewart Talbot is struggling to shake off a thigh injury. Ronnie Moore may be forced to include youth coach Alan Knill in the squad once again. Knill, who was hastily re-registered as a player, was an un-used substitute last week.

Katie Miller writes

Hi,
After watching Oldham reserves demolish the Rotherham reserves I think it is time that Ritchie either makes some adjustments or gets out. OK I have no problem with the man. He was fantastic last season but the players are lacking motivation. After being thrashed by Cambridge I think the following adjustments should be made. Innes replacing Holt because Holty has lost all ability to play football. Gerry McLaughlin replacing Innes. Jones and Hotte in the defence with possibly Garnett or most probably Smith. Dudley on the wing. Tipton and Corazzin as the strike force. I know most of the supporters hate Tippy's guts but after watching him score to blinders on Tuesday, then he should definitely be playing. I also think that Ritchie should try playing Miskelly and seeing the response he gets. Kelly is a good keeper but let's give Miskelly a go.

Thanks

An Annoyed Member Of The Blue Army

I have been contacted by the Cobbler's Fans Team who want to play a supporters game before the match at Northampton later this month. Anyone interested in organising or playing in this?. It's open to any age or sex.

Gary