Gerrard signs full-time deal

DONE DEAL . . . Paul Gerrard (right) with manager Paul Dickov.

PAUL Gerrard has converted his part-time role as Athletic goalkeeping coach to a full-time arrangement.

The 38-year-old, who returned to Boundary Park last summer, spent last season dividing his time between Athletic and npower League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town.

But boss Paul Dickov was keen to tie him down to an exclusive arrangement this term and the former Everton ’keeper has severed ties with the Shrews.

He said: “It was strange being at two clubs, although it worked out well last season.

"It will be nice to concentrate on one set of keepers and dedicate myself 100-per-cent to Latics.

"It is also great to be working locally.”



ANTHONY Gray has been handed a full-time sports rehabilitator role by Athletic. In a new-look medical department, Gray (24) will attend to the youth and reserve sides.
It comes after a successful 12-month stint in the club’s Centre of Excellence.

He will work alongside Head of Sports Science Medicine, Jon Guy.



OUMARE Tounkara, who scored seven goals in 44 appearances for Athletic last season during his spell on loan from Sunderland, has penned a new one-year contract with the Black Cats.
He celebrated by netting in last night’s 2-1 friendly win against York.


PAUL Dickov will come up against his former Manchester City team-mate Marc Laird this season after the midfielder signed a two-year deal with Leyton Orient.
The Scot (25) signed professional forms in the summer of 2006, when compatriot Dickov returned for his second spell with the Blues.

Loan spells at Northampton and Port Vale and two years at Millwall followed, before his journey took him to Orient.


STAFF at the Rifle Range pub have organised a fundraising five-a-side tournament and fun day in aid of Factor 50 malignant melanoma research at Christie Hospital. The competition takes place on Sunday, July 31. It costs £25 per squad of up to seven players, with trophies and medals up for grabs.
To request an entry form, email andyworthington.factor50@googlemail.com