No Latics cash crisis – Corney

SIMON CORNEY . . . “club not in difficulty”.

Director scotches administration and pull-out rumours

ATHLETIC managing director Simon Corney has denied that the club is about to be placed into administration.

Crippling financial losses during a season of drastically low attendances at Boundary Park have led to worries over a potential pull-out by the three owners Corney, chairman Simon Blitz and Danny Gazal.

Rumours have also abounded that players did not receive bonus payments owed to them in last month's wage packet.

But Corney reassured fans that the trio's commitment to the club is strong.

And he also stressed that there is no threat of Athletic entering administration, which under Football League rules, automatically results in a 10-point deduction.

"We don't have any significant debt and I would maintain we are still one of the most financially-stable clubs in the Football League," Corney told the Athletic website.

"Admittedly it has been a disappointing campaign, but we are already planning ahead for next season.

"We are in the process of appointing a new manager and still actively working on the new stadium.

“That is hardly signs of a club in difficulty."

Corney, Blitz and Gazal are involved in a series of meetings this week at Boundary Park.

As well as conducting discussions with Oldham Council over the proposed new ground in Failsworth, the focus is on appointing a new manager following the sacking of Dave Penney.

Athletic intend to draw up a shortlist of candidates by the end of this week, with interviews to follow as soon as possible.