All quiet on the transfer front

ATHLETIC were waiting for an up-to-date report on Daniel Nardiello’s injury situation as today’s deadline for loan transfers approached.

However, Athletic were not anticipating any action on the loan front.

Nardiello damaged a hamstring in only his second appearance for the club and has returned to Blackpool for treatment.

Although his loan deal runs to the end of the season, it can be torn up after 28 days have elapsed, meaning he will remain an Athletic player until April 1 at least.

If it is felt that the former Manchester United player could be fit to return soon after that date, Athletic may take the view it is worth keeping him on.

Otherwise, manager Dave Penney may look elsewhere.

However, Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy was not expecting any significant movement today.

He said: “If other clubs come in and want to borrow a couple of our players, I suppose the manager might want to look at bringing someone in. But there is nothing in the pipeline.”

Apart from Nardiello, Athletic already have Darryl Flahavan, Alex Marrow and Jim Goodwin on long-term loan.

Goodwin has been troubled with a thigh strain in recent weeks but could return for Tuesday’s vital home game with Brentford.

Striker Lewis Guy was initially brought in on loan for a month from Donc-aster and, as he is already on the books, Athletic have the option of extending that deal even after today’s deadline.

So far, the only player moving out of Boundary Park is young defender Liam Dawson who has joined Ashton United on loan to the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has already had loan spells with Nantwich Town and Silsden this season.

Athletic reserves booked their place in the semi-finals of the Lancashire Senior Cup with a 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley in a game switched from Clitheroe to Chapel Road due to pitch conditions.

Tom Eaves put Athletic ahead early on before Ryan Brooke netted on the stroke of half-time and added a second ten minutes from the end.