Latics ponder tour of Israel

Reporter: by MICHAEL YARWOOD
Date online: 29/10/2008

ATHLETIC could be heading on a pre-season tour of Israel next year.

The club’s owners are keen for John Sheridan and his players to have a warm-weather training camp, play some of Israel’s top club sides and also act as ambassadors.

Managing director Simon Corney said he thought of the idea after a trip with his father to Tel Aviv.

Mr Corney explained: “I started the ball rolling after I came back home and spoke to (chairman) Simon Blitz.

“We both agreed and wanted to take the players over there. Clubs go to Spain or Portugal for their pre-season tours, which is fine, but I think this is going to be even more worthwhile.”

Athletic could face teams including Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, and also pay visits to various landmarks.

Mr Corney stressed that no arrangements had been finalised, but the tour would take place next July.