Time running out for trio

NEAL EARDLEY: The full-back is suffering from tendonitis in his knee.

ATHLETIC continue to sweat over the fitness of Neal Eardley, Joe Jacobson and Jon Worthington.

The trio were again absent from training yesterday as Athletic count down to Saturday’s opening Coca-Cola League One fixture against Stockport County.

Manager Dave Penney’s preparations have been disrupted by the fear that all three could miss the visit of the Hatters.

They were also expected to sit out training today, leaving Penney to weigh up his options for this weekend.

The Athletic chief has intimated that he will make a move to bring in two players on short-term loans if the three fail to recover in time.

Right-back Eardley is suffering from tendonitis in his knee, left-back Jacobson a stomach/groin muscle problem, while midfield man Worthington has a tight hamstring.

Penney and No.2 Martin Gray were at Stockport last night to make a final check on the first opponents.

Stockport lost 3-1 in a friendly against top Spanish outfit Real Valladolid.

The hosts had the audacity to take a first-half lead against the La Liga side through a header from centre-back Gianluca Haven.

But Real recovered to level before sealing victory with two goals in the final 20 minutes.

Stockport are currently in administration, which means they can’t make any signings.

If they are still in administration on Saturday, there is every chance they will unable to field a full complement of seven substitutes at Boundary Park.

Manager Gary Ablett is trying to get special dispensation for trialists David Poole and former Athletic left-back Adam Griffin to play given they have been at the club throughout pre-season.

But Ablett has released former Athletic striker Michael Ricketts. He was on trial at the club after being freed by Walsall at the end of last season.

Ex-Athletic player Paul Gerrard has joined Stockport as goalkeeping coach and understudy to No 1 Owain fon Williams.