Latics tighten purse strings

ATHLETIC will operate on a tighter budget for next term, the club have announced.

Manager Paul Dickov was informed by the board of directors last week that the money available to him in order to build a squad capable of challenging higher up the npower League One table 2011-12 will be reduced from that of 12 months ago.

However, Dickov — whose side ended the season 17th in the division after limping to a 2-1 home defeat to MK Dons on the final day — has also been told he can boost his fund by selling those players he deems surplus to requirements.

And chief executive Alan Hardy says the example of play-off contending MK Dons illustrates the point that a reduction in budget does not automatically translate to poorer performances on the field.

“I expect significant reductions in budgets for all clubs in our division,” Hardy said.

“In January, MK Dons reduced their playing budget for the remainder of the season and also laid off backroom staff. Yet their results improved.

“The manager understands the situation surrounding the reduction. We have told him that there are ways it can be increased, such as our receiving other income we have not budgeted for.”

Every member of Athletic's first-team squad will meet with the management today as the club prepares to reveal its retained list. A total of 12 out-of-contract players will hear if they are to be offered new deals to stay on at the club.

That grouping includes captain Reuben Hazell, goalkeeper Dean Brill and winger Filipe Morais — the latter of whom is relying on the club wishing to take up an option to extend his current deal into next season.

Not in that number is striker Reuben Reid. His contract is expiring this summer, but both the 22-year-old himself and the club can take up an option for another 12 months at Boundary Park.

Of the second-year scholars, James Tarkowski, Matty D Carr and Connor Hughes have all already been offered their first professional deals.