Latics seek quick answer

TOM Eaves was left out of the squad to face Yeovil.

ATHLETIC hope to quickly resolve the situation hanging over striker Tom Eaves after raising the stakes.

The 18-year-old prospect was banished from the first-team squad that travelled to Yeovil after manager Dave Penney took the decision not to field him until he signs the two-year deal that has been offered.

The club are concerned about the role played by Eaves’ agent, with each of the other three trainees offered contracts — Djeny Bembo-Leta, Philip McGrath and Kirk Millar — putting pen to paper on their first professional deals last week.

The teenager is currently caught in the crossfire between his agent and the club, but Athletic hope the hard-line approach will lead to the player opting to commit his future early this week.

“Tom Eaves wasn’t with us because he won’t sign a contract with the football club,” said Penney following the poor showing in a 3-0 loss at Huish Park.

“So Tom won’t be playing for Oldham Athletic until he signs.”

The teenager, who hasn’t yet made a first-team start, has been on the radar of other clubs for some time as a result of his goalscoring exploits at youth-team level and compensation would be forthcoming if he moves elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Reuben Hazell (hip) and Deane Smalley (chest infection) could be fit to return for Athletic’s final game of the season, a home test against Charlton on Saturday.

A large band of travelling fans is expected, with the visitors to Boundary Park one of five sides — Leeds, Millwall, Swindon and Huddersfield are the others — still capable of grabbing the second promotion spot behind champions Norwich City.




SIX of the seven new sides in Coca-Cola League One for next season have now been determined, following the demotion of Sheffield Wednesday from the Championship.



The South Yorkshire club could only draw 2-2 at home with Crystal Palace in a relegation decider, meaning they join Plymouth and Peterborough in making the drop.

Notts County, Bournemouth and Rochdale have been promoted from League Two, with one other club to follow as winners of the play-offs.