Latics facing an old pals’ reunion

RICHIE Wellens could make an appearance this weekend when Athletic travel to Doncaster.

The cultured midfield man (34) came out of exile to feature on the substitutes’ bench at Watford on Tuesday night - a surprising move, given that Wellens had activated a relegation release clause in his contract when Rovers were demoted from the Championship.

A shortage of takers in the second tier appears to have persuaded Wellens his future lies at the Keepmoat Stadium with former Athletic manager Paul Dickov.

And it was confirmed yesterday that the ex-Blackpool and Leicester City player has signed a fresh two-year contract to remain at the club.

Fellow midfield man Paul Keegan has also signed a new contract, for three years, granting stability to Dickov’s squad after a period of great uncertainty surrounding the club at board level.

Away from home, Doncaster’s form is impeccable. The opening day brought with it a 3-0 victory at fellow relegated side Yeovil and that was followed by another clean sheet in a 1-0 Capital One Cup first-round victory at York.

Dickov’s men also won 1-0 at Colchester, prior to the 2-1 defeat of Championship side Watford this week in the second round of the Capital One Cup.

At home — where a counter-attacking style is more difficult to impose — the results haven’t been quite as good.