Mvoto eyes big chance

JEAN-YVES MVOTO . . . likely to partner Reuben Hazell.

Jarrett’s ban opens door for defender

JEAN-YVES Mvoto appears to be in prime position to take on the centre-back role for Athletic in this weekend's home game with Yeovil.

In an otherwise settled side, boss Paul Dickov will be forced to make at least one change with Jason Jarrett confirmed as picking up a one-match ban following his controversial dismissal at Charlton.

Sean Gregan missed out on a place on the substitutes’ bench for the game at The Valley and it seems the captain is still some way short of full fitness after missing a large chunk of pre-season training due to an ankle injury.

The door is therefore open for the powerful Mvoto to step into Jarrett's boots, partnering in-form stand-in skipper Reuben Hazell for the first time.

On a season-long loan from Sunderland along with striker Oumare Tounkara, the 21-year-old French player had a difficult start to his Athletic career.

He made his debut in the Carling Cup defeat at Championship side Scunthorpe, playing alongside Jarrett.

Up against a very tricky and quick striker in Jonathan Forte, Mvoto — who made 17 appearances on loan at Southend last season — struggled with his decision-making at times.

Athletic hope that he has since settled down and will be hoping for the sort of rapid improvement shown by his colleague Tounkara, who caused Charlton all sorts of problems in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

Dickov is also presented with a dilemma up front.

Tounkara's place is guaranteed provided he stays fit and while teenager Djeny Bembo-Leta again looked very neat and tidy alongside him, Warren Feeney impressed off the bench and the Northern Ireland international will hope to be able to forced his way back into the starting line-up.

Athletic, meanwhile, are fully embracing their new exotic nickname.

After Notts County manager Craig Short made a reference to Real Madrid in his post-match comments two weeks ago, the theme was taken up by Charlton Athletic's match programme and was subsequently all the talk on the Athletic players' coach returning north.

Tee-shirts are being printed bearing the 'Galacdickovs' moniker — in reference to the 'Galacticos' of Real — and will be available to buy from the club shop from Friday.


New viewing areas for disabled

ATHLETIC have made provisions for disabled supporters following the fire which damaged the platform underneath hospitality boxes.

Those fans can now choose to either situate themselves at the back of the Rochdale Road end, or in front of the Chaddy End.

"We know it isn't perfect, but until it has been passed as safe we are not allowed to use the platform," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.

"We assure everyone that eventually, the facility will be rebuilt to a standard as good as, if not better than, before."