Hands tied over County date switch

AARON CHALMERS . . . ankle injury.

CHIEF executive Alan Hardy has insisted Athletic had no choice but to sanction a late rescheduling of their game at Stockport County.

The derby clash is now being played next Friday night (October 3) as Sale Sharks RU club, who own Edgeley Park, have a cup tie the following day.

The final decision was made last week, leaving little more than a fortnight to make arrangements.

Mr Hardy said: “We were holding out to play on the Saturday because nobody, including John Sheridan, wanted to change the kick-off.

“We also had the support of the Football League, but as Sale Sharks own the ground they have control over who plays when.

“With ourselves, Sale, Stockport and the Football League all involved, the situation took a month to resolve.

“I wasn’t happy it dragged on for so long, but at the end of the day there was nothing we could do.”

Athletic were given an allocation of 2,000 seats – 1,200 uncovered and behind the goal, 800 covered and down the side.

These are now on open sale at £16 (adults), £11 (over-65s and students) or £5 (under-16s). The adult price in the covered area is £2 higher.




ATHLETIC’S youth team have emulated their senior colleagues by making a fine start to the season.



Saturday’s 5-3 victory over Walsall kept up their 100-per-cent record after four games in the Football League Youth Alliance.

It was a remarkable match as Athletic dominated the first half yet still managed to concede three goals.

They stormed back after the break, with Ryan Brooke scoring a hat-trick and Liam Dawson and Will McCall also on target.

Adding to the drama, there was a stoppage of around half an hour when Athletic’s Aaron Chalmers went down with a suspected broken ankle.

An ambulance was called, but the injury was less serious than originally thought.

Chalmers, who plays in defence or midfield, is rated among the brightest prospects in Athletic’s youth set-up.

Last season, he was involved at first-team level at the age of 16 and went on to make two league appearances.