Athletic close in on Maher deal

Pictured, left to right, are Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy, Chronicle director Bernard Stone, Latics co-owner Simon Blitz, Chronicle managing director Philip Hirst and Latics co-owner Simon Corney.

ATHLETIC could unveil their latest summer signing when they return to Boundary Park for tonight’s home game against Derby.

Experienced central midfielder Kevin Maher is poised to complete his move after arriving at the club for talks and a medical.

Maher, a free agent since he left Southend at the end of last season, has turned down other offers in order to join Athletic’s bid for promotion.

He will be the seventh new addition to an ever-growing squad and, if all goes to plan, boss John Sheridan will give him a run-out against Derby.

Maher ended last term on loan at Gillingham, who were eager to sign him permanently, but he is best known for his decade at Southend, including long spells as captain.

He won two promotions with the Essex club and has a total career record of 462 senior appearances, with 25 goals scored.

Athletic’s work in the transfer market is almost complete, but tonight’s match will also feature Jamaican international Demar Phillips.

The left winger was outstanding against Grimsby over the weekend and is likely to join Athletic on a full-season loan deal from Premier League new boys Stoke.

Phillips is an attacking player, so Sheridan still aims to bring in a left-back before the league campaign starts on August 9.

He would have loved to re-sign Ryan Bertrand, but the Chelsea youngster moved to Norwich for a second loan spell.

The game at Boundary Park tonight is Athletic’s first home friendly. So far they have won 3-0 at Rhyl and 2-1 at Grimsby.

Sheridan said: “No disrespect to the other teams, but Derby will be a tougher test of where we are up to.

“They are a Championship side who were in the Premier League last season, and I’ll probably give players longer than 45 minutes so we can work on team shape.”

Derby manager Paul Jewell has made a host of new signings, the latest being Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse for around £1.75million.

Athletic fans will be housed in the main stand and Detect All Chaddy End, with Derby fans in the Rochdale Road End.

Admission costs £10 (adults), £5 (under-16s and over-65s) or £3 (under-12s in the Chaddy End).

Kick-off is at 7.45.

IT’S A DEAL: The Oldham Evening Chronicle is continuing its long association with Athletic by agreeing a one-year sponsorship deal to become the club’s official media parnter.

The Evening Chronicle is the first company to step in with a deal for next season following the departure of several of the club’s partners from last season.

As part of the agreement, the Evening Chronicle has also renewed it’s long-standing sponsorship of the popular Corner Flag suite.

Athletic’s chief executive, Alan Hardy, said: “I am obviously delighted that the Oldham Evening Chronicle has come on board as the club’s media partners.

“They are the first of what we hope will be many organisations to commit their support for next season, and it is much appreciated.”

Pictured, left to right, are Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy, Chronicle director Bernard Stone, Latics co-owner Simon Blitz, Chronicle managing director Philip Hirst and Latics co-owner Simon Corney.

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