Welcome
to today's issue of
BOUNDARY
BULLET-zine
The
Daily On-line e-zine for 251
Oldham Athletic Supporters
Worldwide
Today's
Edition for
7th July 2000
Today's
Headlines
Oldham
Evening Chronicle
Latics
raring to go
ATHLETIC
were delighted to have a clean bill of health today when the players returned
for pre-season training. Andy Ritchie's
squad was gripped by injuries when the last campaign ended, but the summer
break has allowed every one of the casualties to recover. Neil
Adams didn't play after February after a screw in his foot became dislodged
and he was forced to undergo surgery. Paul Rickers soldiered on with a
groin problem until Athletic, with their safety assured, sent him for a
hernia operation. Mark Allott started
only four of the last 20 games because of a hamstring pull, John Sheridan
had ankle ligament trouble and Jordan Tait suffered with a long-term knee
injury. But they have all worked with physio Alex Moreno during the close
season and were raring to go when fitness work began today. Also
back in contention is striker Paul Beavers, who finished the season on
loan with play-off losers Hartlepool. Beavers is one of five players on
the transfer list — the others are Allott, Scott McNiven, Mark Innes and
Matthew Tipton — and interest in them could increase now that the countdown
has begun.
Athletic
begin their series of friendlies with a trip to the Isle of Man Festival,
a tournament they won last year by beating the hosts, Watford and Stockport. This
time they play Burnley (July 23) and the Isle of Man (July 24) before facing
either a play-off match (July 28) or the final (July 29). There
are two attractive home games against Leeds (August 6) and Manchester City
(August 8), with the league season kicking off against Port Vale on Saturday,
August 12. Meanwhile, striker David McNiven
— a free agent after his contract ran out recently — is having trials with
York City. Places are still available for the trip to the Isle of Man Festival.
For details, call Latique on 0161 628 9808.
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the shirt.
Teamtalk
Oldham
Striker
search stepped up
Andy Ritchie
has stepped up his search for a new striker at Boundary Park, and he hopes
to bring in a new man before the end of the month. The Latics boss, though
has missed out on his top targets. Ritchie was keen on veteran front man
David Reeves but the 32 year-old elected to stay at relegated Chesterfield.
He said: "It
is disappointing to miss out but there are other options I am following
up." Ritchie has two or three players on his short-list and he added: "A
lot of them are playing the field at the moment to see where they can get
the best deal. "I am in contact with agents but, so far, there is nothing
concrete," he said. The Oldham boss knows he must bring in a 20 goal a
season hitman if the Latics are to achieve their aim of promotion to the
First Division next season. Ritchie said: "There is a certain type of player
we are looking at and someone with experience would be ideal. "We don't
have the money for fees and, unfortunately, we aren't in the realms of
other clubs who can afford to pick and choose. "It does limit our options
and it can also be a problem when you are looking at free transfers who
have a proven track record," he added. The Latics boss went on to say:
"These players can still ask for a lot of money in signing on fees and
wages and again it does cause restrictions. "It has been a bit frustrating
so far but it was never going to be easy. "However, the aim is to bring
someone in as quickly as possible," he said.
Graham
in demand
Richard
Graham finds himself in demand as he is now wanted by Scunthorpe, just
days after an enquiry from Rotherham United. Graham was earlier in the
week invited to pre-season training at Millmoor but he has now been extended
the same invitation at Third Division Scunthorpe United. So far the player
has made no decision on his future, but one thing for sure is that he will
be leaving Boundary park, after refusing a new deal offered to him by Andy
Ritchie.
Official
Latics Web Site
Disappointment
for Latics
After a promising
start in the Northern Ireland Foyle Cup, the Latics U16s suffered two defeats
on Thursday after winning their opening game, to finish a disappointing
bottom of their section. In the afternoon, Latics lost 1-0 to the Republic
of Ireland and later in the evening lost 3-2 to the North Eastern Counties
League. The Latics goals coming from James Hampson and Craig Fleming. The
Republic finished top of the section with the North Eastern Counties League
second and Derry third. Latics now play on Friday in the Fila Foyle Shield
against Morne Colts, so they could still come home with a trophy.
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