Tribunal sets Stephens fee

Dale Stephens: regarded by Athletic as one for the future.

ATHLETIC have gained the edge on local rivals Bury after being ordered to make a down payment of £30,000 for midfield player Dale Stephens.

Bury wanted £75,000 up front for the promising teenager, but a Football League tribunal came down much closer to Athletic’s £20,000 valuation.

Stephens rejected a new Gigg Lane contract during the close-season, opting to join Athletic on a two-year deal.

Bury were entitled to compensation for their former trainee, but the tribunal weighed up many factors including his age and the fact he had played only nine league matches.

The fee could eventually rise to £95,000 as Athletic will pay an extra £10,000 after each of 15, 30, 45 and 60 appearances, plus £25,000 if they win promotion in the next two seasons with Stephens playing half the games.

Bury also hold a 20-per-cent sell-on clause, but the League Two club were hoping for a much more lucrative package.

Stephens, who celebrated his 19th birthday just before he signed for Athletic, is yet to be handed his senior debut by manager John Sheridan.

He has been an unused substitute in three cup games but is viewed as a player for the future.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We maintain that £20,000 was a realistic offer when you consider Dale was only at Bury for 33 months and is still inexperienced.

“The compensation we have to pay is above that figure, but overall we are satisfied with the outcome.”

Stephens will play for Athletic’s reserves tonight in the Manchester Senior Cup against Bolton at Boundary Park. Kick-off is 7pm and admission costs £4 and £2.

Striker Craig Davies has been left out – suggesting he has a big chance of starting the league game at Stockport on Friday night.

Reserves (from): Fleming, Rowney, Thompson, Dawson, McCall, Kalala, Maher, Stephens, Smalley, Wolfenden, O’Grady, Eaves, Brooke, Kilcourse, Esdaile-Biney, Bell.

Athletic full-back Neal Eardley has been called up by Wales for their European Under-21 Championships play-off against England.

The two-legged qualifier – in Cardiff on October 10 and at Villa Park on October 14 – means Eardley will miss his club’s home league match against Hereford.

Athletic are already without centre-half Sean Gregan for the same fixture as he completes a suspension.


ATHLETIC are holding a laundry sale at Boundary Park on Saturday (10am to 2pm) when last season’s kit and training kit will be available to buy.