Byrne accepts Athletic deal

RICHIE BYRNE— new contract

IRISH defender Richie Byrne has signed a new short-term contract at Boundary Park.

Byrne agreed a second one-month deal and is set to keep his place in the starting XI for Sunday’s home game with Hereford United (2pm kick-off).

He made two appearances during his first month, going on as a substitute at Hartlepool and playing for 90 minutes against Stockport last weekend.

And as captain Sean Gregan is still banned, Byrne is again expected to play at centre-half when Athletic try to bounce back to winning ways on Sunday.

The 27-year-old has gradually regained full fitness after having his spell with Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen disrupted by injuries.

Aberdeen released him earlier this year, but Byrne had trials in Holland before joining Athletic as defensive cover.

Gregan’s red card at Hartlepool, coupled with an injury to Stefan Stam, has now thrust Ireland ‘B’ international Byrne into the spotlight.

He will partner Reuben Hazell at the heart of Athletic’s back four, although Gregan returns the following week for a home clash with leaders Leicester City.

Athletic surrendered their unbeaten record when losing 3-1 to Stockport, but they are about to face a Hereford team with four straight away defeats this season.

The Bulls are bottom of League One and suffered a loss in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night, going down 2-1 against Swindon.

Athletic have reminded season-ticket holders in the Leesfield Developments Stand (Rochdale Road End) that the visit of Leicester on Saturday week will involve a change of seats.

Leicester are being given the large section of the stand as they are expected to bring a big away following.

Season-ticket holders should visit Boundary Park before 5pm next Thursday in order for their seats to be re-allocated.

The ticket office is closed on Saturday but opens at 9am on Sunday.

Athletic’s reserves were taking on Mansfield this afternoon in the Central League Cup.

The team included eight professionals – including Chris O’Grady, who was in the starting XI at Stockport – and there was also a call-up for 16-year-old defender Richard Cowan.

Reserves: Fleming, Kilcourse, Cowan, Thompson, Dawson, Smalley, Maher, Kalala, Stephens, Wolfenden, O’Grady. Subs: Ollerenshaw, Brooke, Esdaile-Biney, Eaves, Bembo-Leta.