Phillips to miss Latics kick-off

ATHLETIC target Demar Phillips is set to miss the opening weekend of the new League One season.

The winger has been training at Boundary Park for almost three weeks, but financial terms for his move have not been agreed with Stoke City.

Though the proposed transfer is a long-term loan, Athletic would still need a work permit before handing Phillips his debut.

And while that shouldn’t be a problem as he plays regularly for Jamaica’s national side, the paperwork can take several days to clear.

Athletic admit they are highly unlikely to rush everything through before Millwall come to Boundary Park on Saturday for the start of the new campaign.

But they remain keen to finalise a deal as the pacy Phillips (24) – still with two years to run on his contract at Stoke – has performed well in pre-season.

The delay means Chris Taylor is favourite to play on the left wing against Millwall, despite starting a handful of recent friendlies on the opposite flank.

If Athletic boss John Sheridan sticks with his regular 4-4-2, Andy Liddell and Deane Smalley will be vying to kick off down the right.

Smalley boosted his chances last night when a strong Boundary Park reserve team won 3-2 at non-league Ashton United.

Lewis Alessandra’s neat finish put Athletic in front before, in a see-saw contest, Smalley converted a close-range header and added the winning goal from 12 yards.

Meanwhile, Athletic have tied up a lucrative three-year deal with Leesfield Developments.

The local firm – specialists in windows, conservatories, kitchens and building work – are to sponsor the Rochdale Road End, which will be known as the Leesfield Developments Stand.

Company chief Eddy Benedek is a lifelong Athletic fan, and he said: “It gives me great pride to invest in my local team.

“I am delighted to confirm this link-up with Oldham Athletic, the team I have followed all my life, and I call on businesses in the area to show their support as well.”




ATHLETIC are in a race against time to have their kit ready for the start of the season.



The recent sponsorship deal with JD Sports means a new strip is being manufactured in China at very short notice – it normally takes six weeks.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “If the kit isn’t ready for Saturday, it will only be a short delay.”