Officials in Latics job talks

THE Athletic board meets tomorrow to discuss who will succeed Dave Penney as manager.

Interviews have finished, but officials will not be hurried into making an appointment.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We have seen everyone we want to see.

“The list has been whittled down to the final number of candidates for the post.

“We will meet up tomorrow for a chat about how to move forward.

“Obviously it’s a situation we are keen to resolve as soon as we can, but on the other hand, it’s not a decision you can rush.”

With Mr Hardy declaring an appointment could be made in “early June”, in a statement over the weekend, Athletic fans will be hoping the guessing game ends this week.

Martin Gray, Mark Crossley, Frank Bunn, Lee Richardson and Jim Gannon have all been linked with the Boundary Park hot-seat, although Gannon is still expected to rejoin Stockport County.

Nicky Butt and Paul Dickov have also been mentioned, as they look to embark on their first managerial adventure.

A handful of names remain in the frame, after the powers-that-be sifted through the pros and cons of around 50 applicants.

Interviews were carried out at a secret location over a two-day period at the beginning of last week.

Around half a dozen Athletic players return to the club this week to work on their fitness ahead of pre-season, which begins on Monday, June 28.

They comprise a mixture of men who aren’t on holiday and those who suffered with injury towards the end of a disappointing Coca-Cola League One campaign.

Coach Lee Duxbury is continuing to oversee the sessions, which are voluntary.

Hardy said: “The players don’t have to be there but they want to be in good shape by the time the friendlies come around, so it’s nice to see them putting in the effort.”

Meanwhile, Hardy urged supporters to “get their skates on” if they want to take advantage of the second phase of discounted season tickets which expires at the close of business on Thursday.