Owen faces axe after bust-up

FORMER Athletic player Gareth Owen’s future at tomorrow’s opponents Stockport County is under a cloud after a bust-up with manager Jim Gannon.

The central defender, an ever-present in the side this season, is unlikely to feature against Athletic after being involved in an angry touchline exchange with Gannon after being substituted at Cheltenham last Saturday.

Owen has since been stripped of the County captaincy, and Gannon said: “In my opinion Gareth has been guilty of dissent by both word and action.

“I offered my hand to Gareth as he came off at Cheltenham, but he refused to shake it and then he used foul and abusive language.

“It’s unacceptable for any player, and especially the club captain.

“I still haven’t had an apology and the matter has been placed with managing director Mark Maguire.

“I am planning without him and I cannot see anything happening before tomorrow’s game that will make me change my mind.”

Owen has featured in all 10 of County’s league and cup games this season and in 2007/08 made 44 appearances and captained the side to victory at Wembley in the final of the Coca-Cola League Two play-offs.

But there is some cheer for another ex-Athletic player as Jason Taylor has recovered from a foot injury and he could make his first appearance of the season.

The only senior player County will be without is Alt-based Matty McNeil as the striker, a former pupil at Bluecoat School, is ruled out with a calf strain.

Athletic’s one injury concern surrounds midfield man Danny Whitaker, though the club is confident he will overcome a knee injury. Kevin Maher is on stand-by in the event of him being ruled out.

Athletic remind season-ticket holders in the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road Stand they will have to relocate to the small section for the visit of Leicester City on Saturday, October 18.

And season-ticket holders wishing to sit together are advised to exchange voucher six for new tickets in the small section in advance.

Athletic’s club shop will stay open tonight until six o’clock as a response to the anticipated demand for the new home replica shirts which went on sale today.