Cedric’s Evina ball thanks to fans

LOOKING FORWARD . . . Athletic wide man Cedric Evina has signed for the rest of the season thanks to PlayerShare.

PAUL Dickov believes the supporters’ PlayerShare Scheme has handed Athletic a major boost in the push for promotion.

The project, set up by Trust Oldham, sees fans donate cash to a kitty spent on players’ wages that the Boundary Park outfit would perhaps not otherwise be able to fund.

A prime example of this is the permanent signing of Cedric Evina from Arsenal, following a successful loan spell.

The left-sided French youngster has become a regular fixture in Dickov’s first team, and scored a stunning goal in the recent 4-0 win over Hartlepool.

“The PlayerShare Scheme is great and we are very grateful to the fans,” said the Scot.

“Thanks to them, we can not only bring players in on loan but, in Cedric’s case, also make permanent signings.

“Anything that brings money in and helps us compete can only be positive.”

The manager is delighted with the impact Evina has made on the pitch, and the maturity he displayed after a short spell out of the side.

“I have touched on Cedric’s good attitude because he found himself on the substitutes’ bench but his head never dropped and, since returning to the starting line-up, he has performed ever so well.

“If a player moves from a club like Arsenal to a club like ourselves, they could spit their dummy out if things don’t go their way. Cedric is not like that.

“But that is why we do our homework before bringing people in.

“I would rather have a good player with a great attitude than a terrific player with a bad attitude.”

Dickov’s assistant, Gerry Taggart, echoed the manager’s praise of Evina.

“Cedric was unlucky to find himself out of the team," he said.

"There is a lot of competition for places.

“But what a way to repay the fans who have donated their money — a great goal and an assist against Hartlepool. It demonstrated the benefits of the Player Share Scheme.

“The proof is in the pudding and Cedric’s goal, and the way he has been playing, hammered the message home.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the people involved with the Player Share Scheme.”

Trust Oldham chairman Barry Owen urged people to join the scheme, and said even small donations are welcome.

He added: “I know people don’t have a lot of money at the moment, but even if newcomers gave 50 pence a week it would still make a difference.

“We are one of only a handful of league clubs with such a project in place. The request for funds comes from the manager, and is discussed by our sub-committee before a decision is made.

“The smallest contributions still help the club to bring in players.”

If you would like to donate to the PlayerShare Scheme, visit www.trustoldham.co.uk