Stand-in duo set for LJ clash

Photo: ALAN HOWARTH-

HANDING OUT THE ORDERS: Dean Holden will continue to conduct Athletic first-team affairs alongside Adam Lockwood.

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CARETAKER duo Dean Holden and Adam Lockwood take charge of Athletic for a fourth time against Barnsley as the club examines permanent managerial options.

Chairman Simon Corney is expected to return to Oldham from his US business for the visit of a Tykes side managed by Lee Johnson - his first return to his former club since leaving for South Yorkshire two weeks ago. Since his departure with assistant Tommy Wright, Athletic have lost two games and won one.

Corney said last week he wouldn’t be rushed into appointing a new manager. Athletic have fielded over 75 applications, some outlandish. One is from ex-Holland international defender Winston Bogarde.

Other names believed to have made their interest known include Shefki Kuqi, Scott Sellars, Steve Eyre and Tony Carss.

The bookmakers’ favourite is still former boss Iain Dowie. He had been expected to meet Corney but the latter had to to make an early return to America on business.

Athletic director Barry Owen said the manager search would be looked at again when Corney returns.

“The applications continue to arrive,” Owen said. “There won’t be any decision in the immediate short term.”



BARNSLEY supporters have been allocated the whole of the Rochdale Road stand for Saturday’s clash.

Athletic season ticket holders will need to relocate to either the Zen Office Chaddy End or the George Hill Main Stand. The small section of the Rochdale Road will be open for disabled supporters.