Latics boss looks to solve Mellor mystery

DAVID Mellor takes a tumble at Griffin Park on Saturday.

DAVID Mellor’s stop-start career hit a low at Brentford — but manager Lee Johnson said the club will try to get to the bottom of the problem.

The 20 year old was withdrawn after only 27 minutes, the midfielder admitting to his boss he simply couldn’t physically operate as normal.

Johnson, whose introduction in Mellor’s place of Carl Winchester had a positive impact on a game Athletic were unlucky to lose 1-0, appeared exasperated by the issue.

He pledged to work with Mellor to translate his training-ground talent on to the field: “I don’t know what the matter is,” said Johnson. “He just couldn’t run. It was like he had lead in his boots.

“I don’t why — whether he is ill, or mentally not strong enough to deal with it. It is disappointing to have someone on and then have to take them off after 27 minutes.

“He had a good game, Carl. He deserved his little go and he has to step up now. These boys aren’t young any more in Oldham terms. They have to stand up and be counted and Carl was, though obviously David wasn’t.”

Over three seasons the promising former Manchester United youngster from Shaw has made only 46 appearances.

Winchester’s effort on Saturday means he is in line to start in tomorrow night’s crucial FA Cup second-round replay at Mansfield (7.45pm), which is being broadcast live on BT Sport.

Other alterations to the team are likely to be kept to a minimum.



ATHLETIC fans planning to go to the replay are reminded Mansfield do NOT have facilities for supporters to pay on the night. Fans must buy tickets from Boundary Park, where the ticket office is open until 5pm today, and 9am-1pm tomorrow.