Davies urged to stake his claim

WHAT PRICE Saturday’s match going ahead? Athletic’s chief executive Alan Hardy is keeping his fingers crossed at Boundary Park. As the thaw sets in, it remains a race against time to see if the frozen surface is ready to host Hartlepool. If the game is postponed, there is a strong possibility it will be rearranged for either of the next two Tuesdays.

CRAIG DAVIES has been issued with a challenge by Athletic manager John Sheridan on his return to Boundary Park following a two-month loan spell at Stockport County.

Sheridan wants striker Davies, who celebrates his 23rd birthday tomorrow, to prove he merits a regular first-team place.

He said: “I have told Craig to show me he wants to be in the team because there is an opportunity here for him.

“He came on as a substitute at Huddersfield, put himself about, looked sharp and did well. Hopefully his attitude will be good enough for him to get back into the side.”

Davies, last season’s 14-goal top scorer, has struggled to recapture the form of his debut campaign, which is why Sheridan loaned him to Stockport, where he scored six goals in 13 appearances.

Sheridan believes Davies, who has won five full caps for Wales, has benefited from his stay at Edgeley Park and is hoping the loan spell will have helped restore his confidence.

Athletic face strong competition in their bid to sign Hull City striker Dean Windass on loan, with Championship club Ipswich Town joining the race.

Windass could even be lining up against Athletic on Saturday as Hartlepool have had a loan offer for the 39-year-old accepted by the Tigers. Doncaster Rovers have also made an enquiry for the player.

Athletic will today continue talks with Grimsby Town about making the loan of transfer-listed midfield player J P Kalala into a permanent move to the North East Lincolnshire club.




THE funeral of former Athletic player Ian Greaves takes place at Christ Church, Heaton, near Bolton, on Monday (1.15pm).






OLDHAM Athletic Supporters Club is holding a quiz night in the sponsors lounge at Boundary Park on Monday (7.30). Members are reminded subscription renewals are due.