Latics battle to keep star men

Neal Trotman (right): His sale enabled Athletic to cut their losses last season.

ATHLETIC are battling to hang on to their talented footballers after managing director Simon Corney revealed the club has rejected seven offers for players this summer.

The club’s owners have so far resisted the temptation to cash in as they are looking to build a team capable of challenging for promotion.

Mr Corney said: “We have received offers for a few of our players, seven bids for four different players.

“If the right price came along we would sell, but we will do our best to hold on to them because we don’t need to sell at a silly price.

“But there is pressure. The markets are very tough at the minute and we’re no different to anyone else in that respect.”

The £500,000 sale of Neal Trotman to Preston North End and the lucrative FA Cup run last season enabled Athletic to slash a projected large financial loss for the campaign.

Athletic have been dealt an injury blow with striker Lee Hughes struggling to be fit for the start of the season.

A second X-ray on the toe injury, sustained in training earlier this week, has revealed a small fracture.

Hughes, who last played a competitive match in January, has been beset with injury and illness which has also disrupted his preparations for the new campaign.

Athletic suffered another serious injury in last night’s friendly at Barrow where central defender Steve Williams, who is on trial from Hyde United, sustained a suspected broken leg.

Athletic lost 3-1 as Darren Sheridan, player-manager of the Blue Square Premier side, got one over on his brother John.

The Athletic manager was unhappy with his side’s display given the strength of the side.

Greg Fleming, John Thompson, Kevin Maher, Stefan Stam, Danny Whitaker, Lewis Alessandra, Deane Smalley and Andy Liddell were all in the starting line-up.

Dale Stephens scored for Athletic and the only other cheer was the return of Thompson and Kieran Lee after injury as both men played 45 minutes.

England last night defeated Poland 3-2 at Boundary Park in the semi- finals of the Learning Disabilities European Championships.

Boundary Park hosts the final on Saturday when England play Holland (3pm).

Mossley continue their pre-season build up tonight with a home friendly against League One side Stockport County (7.45).