Dawn of a new Latics era

LOOKING AHEAD: Simon Corney says more people could join the Latics board.

MIKE Newton is back on Athletic's board of directors and could be joined by other new faces soon.

The New York-based financier, who was previously a director at Boundary Park during the 2009-10 season, was confirmed as having returned to the fray yesterday afternoon.

And as the club aims towards future stability through funding and building a brand new Broadway Stand, further expertise is being sought.

"We hope there will be a lot happening in the next couple of years and, as we only have a small board, all help is gratefully received," said club

chairman Simon Corney, the last remaining director from the club's take-over seven years ago.

"There may be one or two other board members coming in as we need to share the workload."

As it stands, Newton sits with Trust chair Barry Owen, Corney and Ian Hill on Athletic's board.

Corney also said he was pleased to have Newton on board again, after the 41-year-old's time away from the club which included an attempt to take control at Port Vale.

"We have been in discussions with Mike for some time and are happy to have him back," he added.

"Mike brings a deep, meaningful insight into the game and he is very popular with the management and players.

"He took one year out and there was a lot of speculation as to why.

“There were a few things he wanted to do, but he realised he likes it here and we are glad to have him back."

Meanwhile, Athletic will again have to do without the services of Carl Winchester as a result of his call-up by Northern Ireland under-19s.

The teenager missed the home draw with Huddersfield Town at the start of the month due to his international commitments and will now be absent for a further two games.

Northern Ireland face an away

fixture in Germany on Thursday, October 6, a match with Belarus in Belfast two days later, and another home clash against Montenegro on Tuesday, October 11.

It means Winchester, an unused substitute at Leyton Orient on Saturday, will not be available for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy second-round tie at Scunthorpe on Tuesday, October 4, or the televised npower League One home game with MK Dons on Monday, October 10.