Deadline-day dilemma

Dickov’s hands tied as Latics wait for transfer list moves
ATHLETIC don't expect to bring any new players in on deadline day — unless they can ship some out first.

Interest was shown by a club last week in transfer-listed left-back Joe Jacobson, but that link has gone quiet and there have been no takers for the other listed man, reserve goalkeeper Greg Fleming.

Utility player Andy Holdsworth, who hasn't made a first-team appearance this season, is another who could be on his way out of Boundary Park.

Athletic have said that manager Paul Dickov is unlikely to have scope to extend his squad with any loan signings unless an existing player's wage is off the books.

Should that happen, Dickov may try to bring in a holding central midfielder, something lacking since French midfielder Jean-Francois Cristophe cut short his stay with the club at the start of the month.

The deadline for emergency loans is 5pm today and the transfer window re-opens on January 1, 2011.

One player who could be about to sign for the club on a permanent basis is Filipe Morais, currently with Athletic on a non-contract basis.

Chief executive Alan Hardy confirmed today that a prospective deal for the player has been submitted to his agent, with a response expected shortly.

"We have made what we consider to be a reasonable offer to Filipe and it is there for him to either accept or decline," said Hardy.

A sickness bug is currently affecting personnel at the club and the latest man to be hit is physio Marc Czuczman.

A number of players are affected and Chris Taylor was feeling particularly unwell at half-time in the Exeter match on Tuesday night.




THE chance of Athletic's rearranged game at Rochdale on Saturday going ahead lies in the balance. Covers have been placed over the Spotland pitch every night since Tuesday in a bit to protect the surface from freezing temperatures.
From tonight, Athletic's own pitch covers will add a double layer of protection, but it may not be enough, should temperatures drop heavily enough to penetrate.

Around 200 refunded tickets for the game, originally abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch, went on open sale to supporters from 9am today.