Latics in race against time

Signings cut-off point looming
ATHLETIC are hopeful of concluding business to bring in new faces before today's deadline expires.

Manager Paul Dickov, faced with a thin squad and in need of greater options, is trying to bring in players prior to the 11pm cut-off point.

He hopes to end the long-running battle to secure a new striker and could also turn attentions to the wide midfield areas, especially with winger Josh Parker currently ruled out for up to two months with a knee injury.

At present, Athletic have two players — Stoke's Matthew Lund and Nathan Clarke of Huddersfield — on long-term loans.

The maximum number of loan players a side is allowed to field in a matchday squad is five.

"We have one or two options that are simmering," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy this morning.

"We hope that things can develop quickly during the day."

Meanwhile, Dickov has praised David Mellor after the 18-year-old signed a two-year professional contract with the club.

The Shaw-based midfielder scored his first professional goal in the recent win at Scunthorpe and follows Carl Winchester in penning a pro deal despite still being a scholar.

"David was in the squad at the end of last season and he arrived back in pre-season fit and strong," said Dickov, of a player who joined the club after being released at Manchester United aged 16.

"The boy is a talent and along with the likes of James Tarkowski and Carl Winchester, it is important that we look after him."

Meanwhile, Peterborough, Coventry City and MK Dons are all in the race to sign former Athletic target Cody McDonald today.




THE second-round draw of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy takes place on Saturday, September 3, from around 10am.



Athletic received a bye in the first round and will now face one of the following teams in the northern section of the draw: Scunthorpe, Bradford, Huddersfield, Sheffield United, Crewe, Tranmere, Walsall, Chesterfield, Macclesfield Town, Morecambe, Notts County, Preston, Rochdale, Rotherham and Accrington or Carlisle.

The second-round ties are played on the week commencing Monday, October 3.