Latics slap big price tag on Dale

DALE STEPHENS . . . can only leave Boundary Park if the price is right.

DALE Stephens won't leave Athletic on the cheap — if at all.

That is the promise made by manager Paul Dickov, who is determined the club will not be taken for a financial ride by the midfielder's suitors.

The 21-year-old spent the final part of the season helping Southampton in their promotion push and in addition to the south coast club, Leeds, Everton and Bolton are reportedly interested in signing a player who is under contract with Athletic until the summer of 2013.

Bids are expected to arrive at Athletic's door soon. But Dickov says that it will take a big transfer fee to provide sufficient compensation for losing a man of Stephens' talents.

And if none sufficiently large is forthcoming, then 10-goal Stephens will start the 2011-12 campaign in Athletic colours.

"Dale has come back here from Southampton and I have sat down with him and had a long chat about his situation," said Dickov. "He told me he wouldn't be upset to be playing here again.

"Dale said at the time when he went to Southampton that he wanted to test himself at a bigger club.

“It is well documented that I tried to talk him out of it back then — but I am delighted now to have him back.

"If someone wants to sign him, then it is going to take more than a couple of hundred thousand pounds, that’s for sure."

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy has already stated that with the current playing budget in place, additional money flowing into the club will be used to supplement funds available to Dickov.

To that end, the Athletic boss admits he may lose players for transfer fees in the close season.

At the same time, though, he is not complaining about his situation and is currently working hard to bring in top-quality players to his squad for next term.

He added: "I have spoken to the chairman (Simon Corney) at length and we both feel strongly that we won't let players go on the cheap.

"Clubs may look at our situation and think they can come in and nick players for next to nothing, but if those sorts of bids come in, then we will benefit far more from having them here.

"I know what there is available and it won't stop me trying to bring in good players.”


SEASON-TICKET SALES TONIC
ATHLETIC are pleased with season-ticket sales following the passing of the discount deadline yesterday.

While still totting up the exact figure, the club expect to at least match the number of season-ticket holders achieved at the same stage a year ago.

"We are pleased with the way supporters have stuck with us," said chief executive Alan Hardy. "It shows they realise the importance of cash-flow through the off-season."

Overall, there were just over 1,800 Athletic season ticket holders in 2010-11.