Boss rejected Madine chance

CARLISLE hot-shot Gary Madine could have been lining up for Athletic tomorrow — but Lee Johnson turned down the chance to bring the striker to Oldham.

The survival hopes of the Cumbrians rest on gaining three points at Brunton Park in the club’s final home match of the campaign.
It is the swansong for the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday man, whose release from jail on license comes with a 7pm curfew, ruling him out of away games at Crawley and Wolves next week.


Johnson said the curfew conditions helped persuade him not to move for Madine as the loan window shut last month.

“We spoke about him,” Johnson told the Chronicle. “We spoke to the player and to Sheffield Wednesday. We just felt that you need to be sure, if you bring someone in, that they are going to be 100 per cent fit and focused. He has done well for them, but you see the issues and it is pretty much why we decided to go with what we’ve got.”

Athletic have a poor record — one win in the last dozen visits — against tomorrow’s opponents Carlisle.

“You play in the moment, but history gives you a guide to what can go on, so it is a good thing for the lads to try to get a win and improve that record,” said Johnson.

Gary Harkins, who appeared tired against Coventry, may be rested with James Dayton in from the start on the left flank.