6th January 2000 

Latics in TV test
McLean released

ATHLETIC will tackle the Wigan juggernaut tomorrow night with rugged defender Shaun Garnett insisting: "We can turn them over." Garnett, the rock at the heart of a backline which is bang on form, believes there is no better time for Athletic to take on the unbeaten league leaders. He said: "I can't see Wigan going right through the season like that ­ they have to lose some time. "It would be great to beat them in front of the TV cameras and the mood in the dressing room is that we really can do it. "Everyone feels confident just now. We have to keep our feet on the ground, but we're on a roll and the players are really up for it. If ever we're going to go there and beat them, tomorrow could be the night." Despite having to get over a double hernia operation, Garnett has been instrumental in Athletic's four-match unbeaten run ­ one which has featured a clean sheet in the each of the last two games. Every member of the back four is playing well and another shut-out tomorrow - against a team with a superb tally of 47 league goals - would be a major achievement. Garnett knows Athletic can't afford to get carried away before the big derby clash, which is being shown live on Sky. But they have lost only one out of eight away from home and this is the chance to show a wider audience that the club's youngsters are learning fast. Garnett added: "We were on TV against Brentford last season, but it will be the first time for one or two of the lads. "It adds something a bit extra to what is already a really big game. "We've been doing quite well at the back and it's good to see Mark Hotte playing so well. "He's all over people like a rash and he's got the pace, whereas I've got the height. Scott McNiven has come on in leaps and bounds and Andrew Holt is better for last season. I suppose things could only get better after the way last season went. "That has been the case so far - and Wigan would be a very nice place to keep it going." Before the game, at the JJB Stadium, Wigan boss John Benson will be presented with his second manager-of-the-month award this season. But the table-toppers are sweating over the fitness of key man Stuart Balmer, who is rated doubtful with a back injury. The match kicks off at 7.45pm and is not all ticket. 

Oldest ex-Latics player dies at 93

FORMER Oldham Athletic star James Dyson, thought to be the club's oldest surviving player, has died aged 93. He signed for Athletic in 1928 for £20 from amateurs Northwich Victoria and was renowned as a penalty expert, never having missed from the spot. He was sold to Grimsby in 1932 for £2,350 to ease the financial plight of the club. Mr Dyson spent six years at Grimsby Town, and a further season at Nottingham Forest. His football career was interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served with the Royal Marines in Egypt, Sicily and Ceylon. After the war, Mr Dyson played a key part in the revival of Chadderton football club, helping to build it into a four-team club. He and his late wife, May, had three children, and lived for most of their lives in Burnley Lane, Chadderton. 

OLDHAM boss Andy Ritchie takes his revival side to Second Division leaders Wigan tonight aiming to shoot down the best record in British soccer. John Benson's highfliers are the only unbeaten side among all 132 English and Scottish league clubs. But Ritchie insisted: "We are going there to win." Oldham are one of the division's form sides having lost just three of their last 15 and Ritchie added: "Wigan are absolutely battering sides in the league. "But our away record speaks for itself and it will be a big test to see how far we have progressed."