Backroom opposites pay the price

out with the old: head of sports science Paul Butler has been dropped by the team.

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GERRY Taggart and Paul Butler, together in the Oldham dug-out for the last time during the cruel Crewe defeat, were hardly two peas from the same pod.

Assistant manager Taggart (42) is an old-school defender: uncompromising and blunt, but undoubtedly talented. If Dickov has been the arm around the player’s shoulder, Taggart was the kick up the backside.

Paul Butler learned his trade in sports science - not on muddy fields but in the lecture halls of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Butler (26) spent time during his studies working with Premier League club Fulham and top rugby league club Manly Sea Eagles. In Australia he helped the nation’s swimmers.

The Football League’s youngest sports scientist was brought in by Athletic to help players prevent muscle injuries — largely achieved.

But Butler’s card was marked by Athletic chairman Simon Corney earlier this season when he publicly drew attention to a perceived lack of fitness within the squad.