Striker deal close

IMPRESSED: International striker Warren Feeney (pictured on the ball for Cardiff City) is keen on a move to Athletic.

ATHLETIC hope to tie up a deal which would bring Warren Feeney to Boundary Park on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old Northern Ireland international had a club medical yesterday and was present at last night’s friendly against Burnley. See Page 34.

Formerly of npower Championship side Cardiff City, the free agent was quoted yesterday as being impressed enough by managerial duo Paul Dickov and Gerry Taggart — now confirmed as the assistant manager on a 12-month rolling contract after formally leaving Leicester City — to commit his future to Athletic.

“I spoke to other clubs but after I talked with Paul and Gerry there was only one winner — I want to play my football here,” said Feeney.

Until the contract is signed, sealed and delivered, though, Dickov is not about to count any chickens over the prospects of securing a player who has also turned out for Bournemouth, Stockport, Luton on a permanent basis, also spending time at Swansea City, Dundee United and Sheffield Wednesday on loan.

“Warren is somebody we like and are interested in,” Dickov added. “He is keen to come, but we are up against some competition to get him.

“He is a player with good pedigree and with 34 international caps, there will be other clubs in for him as well.”

Feeney, who came close to joining Bristol Rovers recently, is also being chased by Athletic’s League One rivals Carlisle and Charlton.

Should the striker complete his move, he could soon be joined by former Huddersfield centre-back Andy Butler.

The 26 year-old is a free agent after settling his contract at the Galpharm Stadium and was another present in the stand at last night’s friendly clash.

Last season, Butler made seven appearances on loan at Blackpool, playing his part in a campaign which ended with play-off success and the landing of a place in the Premier League.

Of the five trialists on show against Burnley last night, Dickov was happy with their collective efforts but has not yet made decisions on who may be kept on permanently.

“I think they have all done reasonably well,” he said. “It must be so hard for them, coming into an environment where they don’t know anyone.”

Francois Kompany and Scott McLaughlin, who both played at Barrow, were not involved last night and Athletic won’t be offering the pair contracts.


A STRONG Athletic reserve side are away to Preston tomorrow (2pm) in the semi-final of the Totesport.com League Cup, held over from last season.