Windass vows to quit Latics

DEAN WINDASS: Ready to quit Boundary Park

ATHLETIC’S on-loan striker Dean Windass “feels let down and angry” and has vowed never to return to Boundary Park.

The 39-year-old frontman, who joined from Hull City in January until the end of the season, is upset after playing just three minutes of Athletic’s last two games.

Windass, writing on his blog, says promises which were made when he first arrived at the club have been broken.

He explained: “John Sheridan said he would not be playing me in both games against Millwall and Leeds United.

“It was a fair shout as the matches were in quick succession and so instead of sitting on the bench at the New Den, I told the manager to put a young lad in my place so he could get some appearance money.

“But my understanding of this was that I would then be involved against Leeds. However, this time I was stuck on the bench and only came on for the final few minutes, which was both embarrassing and insulting.”

Athletic have already dismissed claims the veteran forward was about to return to Hull, who are fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Windass has scored once in nine starts for Athletic. The goal, in the 2-1 win over Northampton Town, was his 200th in the league.

If he carries out his promise it means his season is effectively over. Because he is on a standard half-season loan, there is no recall clause in the agreement between the clubs.

Windass says he hasn’t spoken to Sheridan since Saturday’s win at Millwall and is at a loss to understand what has happened.

He said: “This is not what I signed up for. I turned down three Championship clubs to play for Oldham and I did it as a favour to a mate. I feel let down and angry.

“What’s the point of sitting on the bench for a League One club? I could be sitting on the bench at Hull. In fact, If I’d stayed I would probably be playing now.

“I’ve said my piece to the chairman and I am waiting for his response. He has been first class and understands my point and other people have told me to stick to my guns.”


STEFAN Stam, who is in line for a recall when Reuben Hazell starts a two-game ban on Saturday week, had a 60-minute work-out for the reserves’ in their goalless draw against Wigan Athletic at Chapel Road yesterday.

Last night’s results:—

Crewe 1 Carlisle 2, Hartlepool 2 Tranmere 1, Huddersfield 2 Colchester 2, Leicester 1 Stockport 1, Leyton Orient 2 Peterborough 3, Scunthorpe 1 Walsall 1, Southend 0 Millwall 1, Swindon 2 Cheltenham 2.