Latics play the waiting game

Jon Worthington: Substituted as a precaution on Saturday.

JON WORTHINGTON has added to Athletic’s injury woes in the week leading up to the start of their Coca-Cola League One campaign.

The midfield man limped out of Saturday’s friendly against Blackpool after picking up a hamstring strain in the early stages of the match.

Manager Dave Penney explained that the former Huddersfield Town player was taken off as a precaution.

The Athletic chief said: “It is too early to say how serious the injury is.

“We will have to see how it settles down in the next couple of days.”

Worthington, who had ice put on his hamstring after being substituted, joins full-backs Neal Eardley and Joe Jacobson on the sidelines.

Eardley, again the subject of transfer speculation linking him to Blackpool, was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Seasiders through tendonitis in his knee.

Jacobson, meanwhile, is still troubled by the stomach/groin strain picked up against Middlesbrough last Wednesday.

Penney admitted that sorting out his team’s defensive ills — Athletic conceded eight goals in their final three friendlies — is a priority as they prepare to kick off the season at home to Stockport County this weekend.

One of Athletic’s main worries is the lack of any central-defensive cover for Reuben Hazell and Sean Gregan.

Penney said: “Defence is a concern, but we won’t be bringing in just any player. We have to make sure he is the right one.”


MATTY Wolfenden (22) has completed a permanent move to Wrexham.

He has joined the Blue Square Premier side on a free transfer following a successful trial at the Racecourse.

The switch ends the Springhead-based player’s lengthy association with Athletic, who he joined at the age of nine. He made his league debut at 16 years and 11 days, which was only 40 days short of Eddie Hopkinson’s club record.

Lewis Alessandra has joined Chester City, also of the Blue Square Premier, on trial. However, he cannot complete a loan move until after the club comes out of administration.