Latics boss determined to keep striker

MATT Derbyshire has shown great professionalism in his loan spell at Athletic, says boss Paul Dickov.

MATT Derbyshire could be an Athletic player once again early next year, provided talks progress smoothly.

Paul Dickov was speaking to the six-goal striker today to try to thrash out a deal to bring him back to Boundary Park when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Derbyshire’s current loan period from Nottingham Forest reaches its 93-day cut off point after the clash with Swindon on Saturday. If negotiations are successful, Athletic hope the 26 year old will return in early January.

“We will be sitting down with Matt and having a chat,” Dickov said. “The indications are that he wants to stay, but as always we will need to speak to Forest.

“On and off the pitch, Matt has brought a lot of professionalism to the club. And as much as it is down to the players themselves to be professional, the way he conducts himself has rubbed off.

“He has been frustrated at times, but has never stopped working for the team and doing the right things.”

Athletic are not among clubs backing new safe standing areas at stadiums, according to the Football Supporters’ Federation.

Aston Villa is one of 13 clubs supporting plans for a small-scale trial of a “rail seat” design similar to that used at grounds across Europe, incorporating a safety barrier and a flip-down seat on every other row.

But a Premier League statement outlined opposition to the idea, saying they will not be “encouraging the Government to change the law”.



DAN Taylor netted the winner as Athletic’s reserves saw off Burton in a game played behind closed doors at St George’s Park.

Robbie Simpson played for an hour in the 2-1 victory, continuing his comeback from a persistent groin injury.






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