Allott in line for top award

MARK ALLOTT, who swept the board in Athletic’s player-of-the year awards at the end of last season, is in line for more recognition.

The midfield man has been nominated in the League One category in the North West Player of the Year awards, sponsored by Bank of America.

He faces competition from ex-Athletic man Julien Baudet (Crewe), Liam Dickinson (Stockport - now on loan to Huddersfield after a £750,000 move to Derby in the summer), Ian Goodison (Tranmere) and Danny Livesey (Carlisle).

The winner is decided by public vote and fans can register at www.northwestfootballawards.co.uk

Other categories cover the Premier League, Championship, League 2 and Conference and the winners will collect their awards at a ceremony at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, in November.

Meanwhile, Athletic reserves kicked off their Manchester Senior Cup campaign with a 3-2 home win over Manchester City last night.

Goals from Ryan Brooke, Deane Smalley and JP Kalala gave Athletic a commanding half-time lead which they held until the final seven minutes when Paul Marshall scored twice for City.

Also last night, Athletic’s Neal Eardley won his eighth full cap for Wales in a disappointing 2-1 friendly defeat by Georgia, at Swansea.




FORMER Athletic player Ken Branagan has died, after a long illness, at the age of 78.

Salford-born Branagan joined Athletic from Manchester City in 1960 in a double deal which also brought Bert Lister to the club.

He went on to make 195 appearances for Athletic and later joined the club’s coaching staff. His son, Jim, also played for the club.