Latics alter big-game fan plan

CHRIS TAYLOR (left) looking increasingly likely to stay at Boundary Park.

POLICE, fearing crowd trouble and public-order offences, have instructed Athletic to give Leeds United the whole of the Leesfield Developments Stand for their visit on Monday, March 2.

The decision was made after it was thought demand by Leeds fans would be in excess of their initial 2,700 allocation, giving rise to visiting supporters infiltrating home areas for this high-risk category C fixture.

In a bid to prevent potential flashpoints, Athletic are giving all 4,600 seats to their visitors, even though some tickets in the smaller section have already been sold to home fans.

Athletic fans, who have already bought seats in this area, are being asked to contact the ticket office at Boundary Park to exchange them for other areas of the ground.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy admitted the game is proving a logistical nightmare, but added the safety of fans is of paramount importance.

He said: “The fear was that Leeds would not have enough seats so their fans would travel over here to buy tickets for home areas.

“We are confident this will prevent such problems and are confident the remaining capacity for home fans will be sufficient taking into account the attendance at the recent Stockport game and the fact the game will be televised live.

“We can only apologise to fans if this causes them any inconvenience but we have to take advice from the police in cases likes this.”

Athletic have already stopped telephone sales to try to prevent Leeds fans buying seats in home areas. There will also be no ticket sales on the day of the game.

Police costs for a high-security game are a minimum of £14,000 and they would be even higher if more officers have to be drafted in because of trouble.

As the end of the transfer window looms, it looks as though there could be no further activity at Boundary Park.

Lee Hughes and Chris Taylor appear to be staying, though Athletic have confirmed Brighton have expressed an interest in Craig Davies.

“It is quiet at the moment, which is surprising bearing in mind the amount of interest shown in one or two of our players. We felt it would be busier,” explained Mr Hardy.