All eyes focused on Latics

Photo: Tom Pickles

TEARFUL FAREWELL? Chris Taylor shows his emotion after scoring Athletic’s third goal against Stockpot County on Saturday.

ATHLETIC are bracing themselves for a possible flurry of activity in the final week of the transfer window.

A total of 28 clubs, including five from the Premier League and nine from the Championship, were at Boundary Park on Saturday to watch John Sheridan’s side run out impressive winners against Stockport County.

It is an indication that the likes of Lee Hughes and Chris Taylor are under scrutiny, as are a number of Stockport’s crop of gifted young players.

Yet it was Athletic who caught the eye in the 3-1 romp and the posse of talent spotters must have been impressed by both Hughes and Taylor, who each found the net, as well as the excellent Deane Smalley.

Hughes took his tally for the season to 15 after doubling Athletic’s lead. He is wanted by Doncaster Rovers, who stayed away from Boundary Park.

But Barnsley, Bristol City, Cardiff, Derby, Plymouth, Preston, Reading, Sheffield United and Swansea were in attendance from the Championship, and some of those clubs have made no secret that they are in the hunt for a striker.

Sheffield United are one of winger Taylor’s admirers and the Blades will have been impressed by his performance.

And the future of Taylor was immediately thrown into doubt after the 22-year-old burst into tears when he ran to the Chaddy End to celebrate his goal. Was it a tearful goodbye?
From the Premier League were Aston Villa, Blackburn, Everton, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Stockport’s financial pressures were eased 24 hours before Saturday’s kick-off when striker Anthony Pilkington was sold to Huddersfield Town for a fee which could eventually reach £500,000.

Meanwhile, Athletic have no new injury worries as they prepare for tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash at Scunthorpe United.

Athletic are up to third place in Coca-Cola League One, while the Iron are a point behind in fifth spot.

Neal Eardley will be available after serving a one-match ban against Stockport, but it is unlikely he will win an immediate recall after Athletic’s superb performance.