Latics put fitness in White’s hands

Oldham Athletic’s first day of pre-season training with (l-r) Anthony White, Joel Coleman and Paul Rachubka.

ANTHONY White hasn’t had much of a break this summer - but you won’t hear him complaining.

The 22 year old signed this week to become the club’s new fitness and goalkeeping coach – four years after the club released him as an apprentice.

Stepping into the shoes of departed goalkeeping guru Bobby Mimms last season, White impressed manager Lee Johnson with his ideas and commitment in the three months he spent on trial with the first-team.

White now hopes to live up to the standards set by the man who let him go at Boundary Park as a player, Tony Philliskirk.

“I must be one of the youngest coaches around,” said White. “I owe a lot to Tony Philliskirk. I knew I was never going to make it as a player so this is what I have been working towards instead.

“The boss has been fantastic to me. It is time to pay him back and do everything I can to help the team.”

After leaving Oldham in 2010, White won a scholarship to do a degree in psychology at Rollins College in Florida. He later became director of goalkeeping at affiliated club Orlando City.

Some outsiders may have doubts whether White can help veteran Athletic ’keeper Paul Rachubka — a man 11 years his senior. But White is confident.

“I think Chubs learns from me and vice versa,” he said.

“I think that together it is a good partnership — experience and new ideas combined.”



Former Manchester City prospect Chris Chantler is training with Athletic the club as a trialist.

The left back was released by Carlisle at the end of last season.