Latics stars in their eyes

David Mellor

ATHLETIC’S talented youngsters have attracted up to 30 scouts at every home match this season.

Versatile left-back David Mellor is the latest to catch the eye — Barclays Premier League outfit Fulham were believed to have tabled a £300,000 offer after watching him for the first time, with the club rejecting the bid.

With under-24s Alex Cisak, Kieran Lee, Dean Furman and Reuben Reid also shining in the first team and teenagers Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar knocking on the door, there is plenty to keep the talent-spotters occupied.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Perhaps we get more scouts at our games than other clubs in this division because we have a young squad.

“At any given home match we can have up to 30 scouts in attendance.

“When good young players are in the side, big clubs are alerted and check them out to make sure they are not missing out on anything.”

Fulham are yet to renew their interest in Mellor and there has been no contact from other clubs regarding the Shaw starlet, who penned a two-year professional deal in the summer.

Meanwhile, Winchester and Millar are both on stand-by for Northern Ireland’s European Under-21 Championship qualifier at home to Serbia on Tuesday, November 15.

Winchester was a regular fixture in Paul Dickov’s first team towards the end of last season, but has found game time harder to come by this term.

He was an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw at Preston, but lost his place on the bench at Carlisle last weekend due to the return of Filipe Morais from injury.

However, Hardy believes he will benefit from his reduced role.

He said: “Sometimes young players need a bit of a rest. For such a teenager Carl played a lot of football last season so I am sure the break will do him good.”

Bury fans have been allocated the large section of the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road end for Saturday’s visit to Boundary Park, with home supporters given the smaller part.

THE next Oldham Supporters’ Association quiz night is on Wednesday, November 16, at the Rifle Range pub (7.45pm). Admission is £1 per person.