Youngsters go free for JPT

CHILDREN are to be given free admission for Athletic’s first-round tie in the Johnstone’s Paints Trophy against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday, September 1.

It is the first of a number of initiatives planned for the coming season to attract a new generation of fans - the latest venture targeting those under the age of 16.

“It is another scheme to encourage youngsters to get an affinity with the club at an early age,” explained Alan Hardy, Athletic’s chief executive.

Athletic are hoping the free admission for kids, plus cut prices for others (adults will be £10 and pensioners £5), will attract more fans than the 2,016 who attended the game against Morecambe in the JPT last season.

Goalkeeper Przemyslaw Kazimierczak, Kieran Lee and Chris Rowney, who were on the bench for Athletic at Millwall, had little time to recover after returning home in the early hours of yesterday.

The three played for Athletic’s development squad yesterday in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Crewe where they lost 3-1. Liam Dawson scored the consolation goal.

Coach Lee Duxbury described it as a good workout in readiness for the start of the Pontins League campaign at Preston on Wednesday next week.

Midfield man Jean-Paul Kalala, released by Athletic in the summer, has joined Coca-Cola League One rivals Yeovil on trial.

The 27-year-old Congolese international was at Yeovil before joining Athletic in the summer of 2007.

DAVID Moyes admits he is gambling with Everton's European future by axing England defender Joleon Lescott from tonight's clash with Sigma Olomouc at Goodison Park.

The Everton chief has dropped Lescott for his "bad attitude" as the transfer saga with Manchester City rumbles on.

With Phil Jagielka still out injured, Moyes will have to play captain Phil Neville or youngster Jack Rodwell – both midfielders – alongside Joseph Yobo in the heart of defence for the Europa League play–off first leg.