Latics finances set for a boost

ATHLETIC are set for a much-needed financial boost as they prepare to announce their new major sponsor.

Officials hope to conclude a deal later this week which will give them a new shirt sponsor in place of crisis-hit local company Hillstone Developments.

Hillstone, part of whose business is in administration, have given up the final season of their three-year agreement in order to help Athletic bring in more revenue.

And the club – who recently lost another important backer in Horners Motor Group – are already close to signing up fresh support.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We’ve been having a difficult time with the Hillstone and Horners situations, but I’m happy with the progress we are making.

“Our first new deal was announced last week when the Chronicle became media partners and we’ve got other things in the pipeline.

“I’m very hopeful we will name a major sponsor in the next few days and there’s also a stand sponsorship to be agreed in the near future.

“Hopefully things are coming to fruition. It hasn’t been an easy time financially, but things are looking up.”

Athletic have already sold the first batch of their new ‘fluo’ yellow away shirts complete with the Hillstone logo.

However, any fans who want to exchange when the new sponsor is unveiled will be allowed to do so free of charge.

On the playing front, Athletic are building up to two friendlies as they entertain Hull City tomorrow night (7.45 kick-off) before sending a team to Barrow on Wednesday.

With an almost fully-fit squad, boss John Sheridan is likely to use some of his senior players for the latter game.

Kieran Lee, a summer recruit from Manchester United, is hoping for his first pre-season outing after getting over a hamstring injury.

John Thompson is also back in training after a long absence with knee trouble, but Matt Wolfenden has a thigh strain.




ERNIE COOKSEY’S partner Louise has given birth to a healthy daughter, named Isobella Georgia, less than a week after Ernie’s funeral.