Latics target fans of future

ATHLETIC are to make a major push in the coming season to attract young fans to Boundary Park.

The club’s American-based owners are keen to get children into the habit of watching their local team.

Chief-executive Alan Hardy explained: “We are working closely with our marketing and community departments on a number of initiatives as we want to get youngsters interested in the club.

“Since the mid-1980s we have been encouraging children by giving free tickets to schools which we believe is important as they are the next generation of fans.”

American-based Athletic fan Steve Standring also believes this is the case.

Standring, who makes the journey from Colorado to Boundary Park six times each year, has bought 10 junior season tickets and donated them to the club.

And after reading of the gesture from Standring, another fan has stepped forward to anonymously donate a further junior season ticket.

The 11 tickets will be held by Athletic’s community trust and distributed to local children on a match-by-match basis.

Standring said: “I was hooked as a youngster and my allegiance to Latics has always stayed with me through the ups and downs.

“You never know, this may ‘start the faith’ in some of the local kids who eventually go on to become committed supporters.

“In these days of vastly distorted wealth at the top end of the game, it feels good to help out in the lower leagues.”

As Athletic’s search for a central defender and striker continues, manager Dave Penney could have two potential signings already at the club as free agents Will Haining and Lee Hughes are joining in training.

Manager Dave Penney has not made his mind up about the pair but is allowing them to join in fitness work until they get fixed up.

But should they impress, there could be the intriguing prospect of signing.

Hughes, who turned down a lucrative move to Championship club Doncaster Rovers in January, says he has received no interest.

Indeed, the only club to make a tentative enquiry has been Blue Square Conference club Kidderminster Harriers where Hughes made his name for the non-league side before moving into the big time.