Leading lights not for sale

ATHLETIC have quashed a rumour that Neal Eardley and Chris Taylor have been transfer-listed.

They say there is no truth in the report that the club’s prized assets, have been put up for sale to help generate funds.

Chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Chris and Neal have definitely not been put up for sale. Transfer-listing the players would not sit well with the club’s aim of mounting a push at the top end of League One next season.”

Mr Hardy’s comments were endorsed by manager Dave Penney who was surprised by the story.

“They are two key players and I am not actively looking to move on anybody, though in today’s climate any player has got his price,” he explained.

Penney has ordered his remaining players back for an extra week’s training from Monday, June 1.

The players were not due back until Monday, June 29 but Penney believes an eight-week break is too long. He added that it is also an early opportunity to get to know the players.

Athletic have confirmed their first three first-team friendlies which are all away.

They are at Hyde United on Monday, July 13, Halifax Town Thursday, July 16 and Macclesfield Tuesday, July 21.