Latics step up striker search

DAN TAYLOR: pre-season promise for Latics.

ATHLETIC hope to nail down the signing of a new forward very soon.

With the season-opener against Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup first round less than a week away, manager Paul Dickov’s focus is on bringing in a foil for Robbie Simpson and a new wide man.

On-trial Herne Bay man Byron Walker is one possibility — the swift striker will get a chance to show what he can do in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull today.

But the club are believed to also be on the trail of a promising attacking talent from a Premier League club.

Dickov has only three out-and-out strikers in his squad to choose from: Simpson, Matt Smith and Dan Taylor.

Former Newcastle man Taylor (19), who was highly rated by mentor Peter Beardsley at St James’s Park, showed up well in the recent friendly against Huddersfield.

In terms of wingers, Youssouf Mchangama is currently occupying the role on the left of midfield which was taken up regularly by Chris Taylor last season.



The 2012-13 team poster will appear in tomorrow’s print-edition Chronicle, with a new-season preview.








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