Deal or no deal?

KIERAN LEE, Athletic’s Mr Consistency, may opt to chance his arm elsewhere

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Clear-out is on the the cards . . . but who will remain? Eighteen of 18 Athletic first-team squad members are on the verge of contract limbo.

A cut to the budget is expected to have a big impact on who stays and who exits ahead of the 2012-13 season.

So plenty of difficult decisions loom in the summer.

Today, we assess those who will be without terms. Will they stay or will they go?


Paul Black: Out of the side since mid-February with a torn hamstring, the 21 year old is generally a steady performer at this level. STAY

James Wesolowski: His qualities on the field as an energetic midfield enforcer are proven, but whether his repaired shoulder will stand up to the rough-and-tumble of regular matches is not, yet. STAY

Zander Diamond: Another player to whom Athletic may apply a cost-to-time-on-the-field analysis before deciding on whether to offer a renewal. A good defender at this level if deemed value. STAY

Filipe Morais: After an indifferent start to the season, the winger has grown into one of the club's most reliable and hardest-working players. Likely to be handed an offer. STAY

Reuben Reid: After bagging five goals in the first 10 games of the season, a troublesome thigh injury restricted the striker's progress and he has been nowhere near the first team lately. Hard to see him staying. GO

Robbie Simpson: Wanted to keep his options open by only signing a short-term deal with the club

earlier this year. Athletic will want him, but may find it difficult to match his ambitions. GO

Bradley Diallo: Athletic have an option to extend the French left-back's stay by another season. If it comes down to a straight tussle with Paul Black, recent displays indicate the more locally-reared player could come out on top. GO

Dean Bouzanis: Has had a couple of difficult moments since coming into the first team from out of the cold, but is rated highly by club staff. STAY

Ryan Brooke: Out on loan at non-league AFC Telford, it is difficult to envisage a new
contract being offered to the 21-year-old former trainee, once of rich promise. GO 

Josh Parker: An extended loan spell at Dagenham came about after difficulties settling in the north. GO

Chris Taylor: Ankle ligament damage could not have come at a worse time for the winger, as he seeks to find himself a Championship club at which to impress for next season. It is still difficult to see him remaining at Boundary Park, though. GO

Kieran Lee: Athletic's most consistently-impressive performer for two seasons running, the former Manchester United right-back prospect has yet to agree to improved terms and may fly the nest. GO

Youssouf Mchangama: Has shown flashes of ability during his time in the side. Dickov would have liked to have given him a more gentle introduction, but the Comoros Islands midfielder's potential could be reflected by him being offered a deal. Currently on non-contract terms. STAY

Kirk Millar: Has barely had a sniff of the first team all season and appears set to be on his way to new climes. GO

Djeny Bembo: A promising start to his Athletic career under Dickov has evaporated due to injury and the forward is currently on loan at Stalybridge. GO

Phil McGrath: May get another chance to show what he can do after a second successive season ruined by a knee injury. STAY 

Matthew Carr: Overlooked completely and sent packing on loan to Woodley Sports, the 19-year-old's time in the Evo-Stick League, First Division North indicates a bleak Boundary Park future. GO

Keanu Marsh-Brown: Off-field issues have continued despite warnings issued on his arrival at the club following a successful trial. Has ability, but being a professional footballer is about much more than that. GO

Agree? Disagree? Email your views to mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk