Kalala may win Latics call-up

Jean-Paul Kalala : Has done well in training.

JOE ROYLE is considering a surprise recall for Jean-Paul Kalala for Athletic’s final home game of the campaign tomorrow against Southend United.

The Athletic manager has been impressed with his efforts in training since the Congo international returned from a loan spell at Grimsby Town.

And though Royle has not made a final decision, he says a return for the 27-year-old is a possibility.

Kalala has featured only once for Athletic this season as a non-playing substitute and spent a lengthy spell on loan at Grimsby.

Dale Stephens, the highly-rated midfield man captured last summer from Bury, could also feature after recovering from a lengthy injury lay-off, though he would be on the bench at best.

“I can see his ability and he is one for next year. I would like to see him in action, though it might be too much for him at the moment as he has been out for so long,” explained Royle.

Stephens (19) has been named as a substitute six times, but has yet to make a first-team appearance.

With Chris Taylor absent with damaged ankle ligaments, on-loan Ian Westlake will return after recovering from concussion.

Westlake has not played since taking a blow to the head against Peterborough nearly three weeks ago.

Royle is desperate to sign off the home campaign in style to end a dismal sequence of 10 games without a win, their worst run for nine years.

“I would love to go out with a win for the fans and, from a selfish point of view, for myself as I am desperate to register a victory,” he said.

ATHLETIC (from): Crossley, Fleming, Eardley, Hazell, Gregan, Stam, Jones, Lomax, Black, Lee, Whitaker, Allott, Maher, Kalala, Stephens, Westlake, Alessandra, Smalley, Wolfenden.

Southend will have at least one change from last Saturday’s home defeat by Leicester as midfield man Jean-Francois Cristophe is ruled out with a hamstring strain. He is likely to be replaced by former Athletic loan player Anthony Grant.

Winger Damian Scannell has recovered from a hip injury and returns to the Shrimpers’ 17-strong squad.



Trialists out to impress

ATHLETIC have given trials this week to five players who are to become free agents this summer.

They are not revealing their identities, but it is believed that they include a central defender, midfield man and wide player - three areas Joe Royle is keen to strengthen if he stays as manager.


MARK Crossley, who is out of contract this summer, has revealed he has received a tentative offer to continue playing for a further year from an undisclosed club.
The goalkeeper, who celebrates his 40th birthday this summer, has yet to be told by Athletic whether he has a future at Boundary Park.


BLACKPOOL’S former Latics loan keeper Paul Rachubka has signed a new two–year contract with a further year's option.

Rachubka was out of contract in the summer but has followed team–mates Ben Burgess, Ian Evatt, Gary Taylor–Fletcher and Keith Southern in agreeing fresh terms.