O’Grady future still unclear

Chris O’Grady: Due back from loan spell at Rochdale next week.

CHRIS O’GRADY appears to be heading back to Athletic — temporarily, at least.

The striker, who is enjoying a successful spell on loan at Rochdale, is up for sale at an undisclosed price and while the League Two side have expressed a strong desire to keep him, all has gone quiet lately over the subject of stumping up the fee to secure a permanent transfer.

O’Grady’s loan expires on Saturday night, following league Two leaders Dale’s home game with Port Vale.

The future of the former Leicester and Rotherham player has been a real ‘will-he, won’t-he’ tale for months.

But should he return, even if the 23-year-old is subsequently sold in the transfer window he will at least give Athletic manager Dave Penney extra options up front as top scorer Pawel Abbott continues to work his way up to full fitness.

Athletic are due to face Stockport on Saturday afternoon at Edgeley Park but the match may not go ahead due to the frozen pitch.


FORMER Athletic striker Chris Killen — set for the World Cup later this year with his native New Zealand — has signed for Middlesbrough, the club have confirmed.

Killen, who scored 23 Athletic goals in 90 appearances, has signed a deal to stay at the Riverside to the end of the season.

Along with fellow new boys Gary Caldwell and Barry Robson, the 28-year-old follows manager Gordon Strachan from Celtic to the Championship side.


ATHLETIC are on the hunt for volunteers to help clear the Boundary Park pitch on Friday morning, with the home game against Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday, January 20 in mind.

Anyone is welcome to help out and an appeal is out for shovels, spades or wheelbarrows to assist the effort.

Fans who can help out should arrive at reception from 8am onwards and will be presented with a complimentary ticket for the Tranmere game.