Decision day for Latics directors

CHRIS TAYLOR: Could return at MK Dons.

ATHLETIC’S board of directors were meeting today to discuss the unsavoury incidents at Belle Vue dog track.

The Coca-Cola League One outfit were also taking legal advice to determine what they can and can’t do if they feel it necessary to dish out punishment.

Chief executive Alan Hardy visited Belle Vue again yesterday as investigations into alleged drunken behaviour and gross misconduct continued.

There were several incidents on the night, which included striker Lee Hughes holding manager John Sheridan in a head lock following a heated exchange, while captain Sean Gregan was alleged to have been involved in another.

Athletic have threatened to take the strongest possible action against any employees — they have not ruled out sackings — if anybody is found to have brought the club into disrepute.

Mr Hardy is anxious the events at Belle Vue, which propelled the club on to the national news pages for all the wrong reasons, are put to bed quickly.

He said: “It is fair to say the past few days have had a detrimental effect on performances.

“We want to get this bottled up as quickly as possible now, but at the same time we need to be thorough in our investigations.

“It’s vital this situation doesn’t have an adverse impact on our aim of gaining promotion, because we have a big game coming up this weekend.”

Athletic remain optimistic Chris Taylor will be fit to face promotion rivals MK Dons on Saturday.

The winger missed last weekend’s defeat at home to Colchester United because of a calf strain.

Athletic clung on to their a place in the top six after last night’s results.

Leeds United leapfrogged Sheridan’s men after a 4-0 defeat of Yeovil, but Scunthorpe were beaten by Peterborough.

Stockport County and Colchester boosted their hopes of reaching the play-offs after wins over Hartlepool and Swindon.

Athletic’s opponents this weekend were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield Town.