Whitaker is new Athletic doubt

MIDFIELD playmaker Danny Whitaker has emerged as a doubt for Athletic’s weekend clash with Stockport County.

Whitaker is under treatment for a knee injury and could be forced out of John Sheridan’s starting team for the first time in 11 games.

He suffered the knock in a tackle with Huddersfield captain Jon Worthington on Saturday and has not been able to train so far this week.

The ligament strain is not serious but Whitaker has one day less than usual to recover as Athletic face their local rivals on Friday night at Edgeley Park.

After starting this season on the bench, Whitaker (27) needed little time to establish a place alongside reigning player of the year Mark Allott in central midfield.

The ex-Port Vale man has impressed with his attacking play and Sheridan recently hailed him as Athletic’s most consistent performer of the campaign so far.

If Whitaker is ruled out, his likely replacement is the experienced Kevin Maher.

Dale Stephens could slot in for an Athletic debut, but Maher appears to be next in line for the midfield places despite failing to make the bench for the last two games.

Athletic were hoping Maher, Stephens, Chris O’Grady, Deane Smalley and several other squad members would have some welcome match practice for the reserves last night.

Torrential rain, however, left standing water on the Boundary Park pitch and the Manchester Senior Cup tie against Bolton was postponed (tickets for the scheduled Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Association event will be honoured for the rearranged match).

Athletic had to surrender top spot in League One last night when they were overtaken by Leicester City.

Leicester took advantage of their game in hand by winning 1–0 at Colchester. They are now one point above the Boundary Park side.

Athletic can regain pole position by beating Stockport. The game is a sell-out for away fans and Athletic’s request for more tickets has been refused.




ATHLETIC’S new home replica shirts – redesigned when Carbrini Sportswear took over as sponsors – go on sale at 9am tomorrow.