Stephens set to return

DALE STEPHENS . . . all-clear from the doctor.

DALE Stephens could make a welcome return to the Athletic line-up tonight.

The influential midfielder has been absent from the club's last three matches through illness, in which time the team have picked up only one point without scoring a single goal.

Stephens came through a gym session successfully yesterday and his manager Paul Dickov now has a decision whether to thrust him straight back into the team.

"We have missed Dale Stephens because he is one of the best players in this division," Dickov said.

"People have been saying to me this season that Dale is not firing on all cylinders.

"We know how good Dale is and how big a player he is for us.

"It is only since he hasn't been playing that people have said 'oh, we missed Dale today'.

"We knew we would miss him. But the good thing is, he is back at the football club and walking around.

"He is over the virus that he had, but we will just have to see how much, fitness-wise, it has taken out of his body."

Captain Reuben Hazell is also back in contention after serving a two-match ban, but is suffering from a slightly stiff back.



A YOUNG Athletic reserves team lost a penalty shoot-out against Stockport in the Manchester Senior Cup at Stalybridge.
Former Boundary Park goalkeeper Greg Fleming made two vital saves to deny Athletic following the 0-0 draw.