Latics ease Taylor fears
Reporter: by MATTHEW CHAMBERS and CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 30 July 2010
CHRIS TAYLOR is expected to be fit for the start of the npower League One season — but tomorrow’s friendly at home to Preston could come too soon for the winger.
There had been fears the Athletic wide man would miss the trip to Tranmere on Saturday, August 7, after over-stretching for a ball in training on the eve of the Falkirk friendly earlier in the month.
But chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Chris has been working closely with the physio.
“It is my understanding that he will be fit for the start of the season.”
In another boost, Athletic captain Sean Gregan has been pencilled in to play for the reserves against Ashton United on Tuesday and Rhyl the following day.
If he comes through unscathed, the defender, who has missed the early part of pre-season because of an ankle problem, could be on the bench for the Tranmere game.
But one man who won’t be involved is Joe Colbeck, who has left Boundary Park for Hereford United.
The winger, who made 27 appearances for Athletic, scoring once, penned a two-year deal at Edgar Street after being handed a free transfer by boss Paul Dickov. Hardy said: “Dave Penney brought him in for a reasonable fee from Bradford City, but it just didn’t work out for him here.
“It’s best for all parties that he moves on. I hope he can rekindle the kind of form he showed at Bradford.”
Meanwhile, Hardy confirmed Athletic have opened talks with a number of clubs as Dickov looks to strengthen his squad.
The Scot believes he is lacking leaders on the pitch and voiced his concern at how quiet some of the players are.
Warren Feeney won’t be involved against Preston (kick-off 3pm) after suffering a knock to his ankle in the early stages of the 3-0 victory over the Premier League outfit.
The Northern Ireland striker was withdrawn a quarter of the way through the game and was replaced by Tom Eaves, who went on to notch a hat-trick.
“We will have to see how the ankle settles down before we know the extent of the injury, but he (Feeney) won’t be fit for tomorrow,” said Dickov.
Ritchie Jones picked up a dead leg in the same game but is likely to be fit enough to start.
Preston boss Darren Ferguson named a strong side to face Wrexham in midweek but his team could only manage a 1-1 draw with the Conference side at The Racecourse.
Preparing for another season in the Championship, Preston start with a home match against Doncaster.
The Deepdale outfit will hope for a better campaign than they enjoyed in 2009-10, when finishing in 17th place. The previous season, Preston had reached the play-offs.
Preston (from): Lonergan, Gray, Treacy, Morgan, St Ledger, Davidson, McLaughlin, Mayor, Jones, Barton, Coutts, Hayes, Brown, Proctor, Nicholson, Parry, Henderson, Parkin, Elliott, Douglas, Collins, Hart, Chaplow, Dougan, Miller.
