Move was always a no-go — Taylor

Photo: Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

CHEEKY BOY: Oumare Tounkara congratulates Chris Taylor on his goal against Swindon Town at Boundary Park, one of 11 the winger bagged in 2010-11.

CHRIS Taylor revealed that Athletic's good form prior to the mid-season transfer window encouraged him to stick around at Boundary Park.

The winger was subject to at least one firm, six-figure bid from Scunthorpe United which landed on manager Paul Dickov's desk.

But after discussing the situation with his boss, the 24-year-old decided to turn down the option of leaving.

"I wasn't really close at all to leaving," said Taylor.

"The manager pulled me into his office and told me there was a decent offer.

"At the time I was flying and playing well — I had just scored against Carlisle — and I just said that with us in the play-offs, I am not ready to go anywhere."

There is a possibility that cash-strapped Athletic could field more bids for Taylor's services this summer.

But it appears the Springhead lad would only depart very reluctantly.


ATHLETIC are looking for a new club doctor, after Chadderton-based Dr Mark Northfield was forced to stand down due to his increased NHS workload.
The Football League requires every club to have a doctor in place for each home match and to carry out additional duties. The medic ought to be able to stitch wounds.

Any local doctor who is willing to help should call Alan Hardy by email at: alan.hardy@oldhamathletic.co.uk


LEE Duxbury's reserves ended the season in a creditable fourth position in the West Division of the totesport.com League.
Athletic won 10 of their 18 second-string games, finishing behind Wrexham, Burnley and table-topping Preston, who won the overall competition nationwide.