Talks stall on ’keeper contract

Paul Rachubka: contract talks have stalled

CONTRACT talks with Paul Rachubka have reached an impasse, prompting Athletic to explore an alternative number one for next season.

Rachubka played a major role in the club’s climb away from trouble in the league this season.

Athletic are keen for the player to remain at Boundary Park, but for that to happen the current deadlock will have to be broken.

Other goalkeepers are available if out-of-contract Rachubka doesn’t sign. Manager Lee Johnson could go for a Premier League loan: a couple of exciting young top-flight talents have been spotted, and that would leave extra room in the budget for an experienced forward.

Other free-agent goalkeepers are also available, including Chris Weale, who played alongside Johnson at Yeovil for five years then moved to Bristol City to work with Lee’s father Gary. Weale was Shrewsbury’s player of the season in 2012-13.

Another prime candidate is Jamie MacDonald, the Hearts goalkeeper released this week after 14 years at Tynecastle.



BARROW will host Athletic in the third pre-season fixture to be finalised so far.

The Conference North club take on Lee Johnson’s side on Saturday, July 26 (3pm kick-off).