Move fast on new manager, urges Danny

DANNY Whitaker believes Athletic need to bring in a new manager sooner rather than later.

The departing 29-year-old midfielder, currently on the lookout for a new club, was the highest-profile name among those released last week.

Whitaker revealed that he did not even have talks over a new contract, and he believes that the task of improving on last year’s 16th-placed finish in Coca-Cola League One on a reduced budget will be a difficult one for the new man in charge — whoever ends up in the role.

“I had an initial chat with (current caretaker manager) Martin Gray before the season was up and it was clear the problems the club had in terms of money,” said Whitaker, who scored three goals for Athletic last season.

“It came down to the fact that we knew that it was a struggle and that the budget would be cut for next season, meaning I would be on a lot less than before.

“So we agreed that there was no point getting into it and I am now looking for a new club.

“I am not sure what the solution is for the club, really. They need to get a new manager in as soon as possible to sort out the team and to try to bring in some new players on the reduced budget.

“I definitely still have a lot of affection for Oldham and would have been happy to stay if the terms had been right.

“I will be keeping in touch with some of the lads and hope they do well.”

Lewis Guy, who scored three goals while on loan at Athletic last season, has signed a two-year contract at League One rivals MK Dons.

The forward was released by Championship outfit Doncaster Rovers after failing to nail down a regular first-team spot at the Keepmoat Stadium.


THE first season-ticket discount offer ends today, and Athletic officials have extended ticket-office opening hours to 6.30pm to accommodate any late-comers.

The second phase of reductions starts tomorrow and runs to June 3.


FORMER Athletic manager Ronnie Moore will lead out Rotherham at Wembley after his side defeated Aldershot 2-0 last night and 3-0 on aggregate in the League Two play-off semi-final.

The other semi-final takes place tonight, with Dagenham and Redbridge holding a 6-0 advantage over Morecambe.