Holt leaving?

ATHLETIC have named their price for Andy Holt after receiving a transfer inquiry for the talented defender. The unnamed club followed up an initial interest last season with a new move for the 22-year-old. “We have told the club the figure we are looking for so the ball is now in their court,” explained Athletic manager Andy Ritchie. Ritchie doesn’t want to lose Holt, but accepts that cash-strapped Athletic won’t be able to turn down a substantial sum. Holt, who began his career as a winger, has become a versatile left-sided defender in recent seasons and was an ever-present in all 46 league matches in 1999—2000. 

He is not the only Athletic player in demand as Tranmere have made an inquiry for transfer-listed Mark Innes. Tranmere have telephoned Ritchie to ask about Innes, although no firm bid has been made for the under-contract player, whom Athletic are prepared to unload. Athletic have been linked with a move for Northampton striker Carlo Corrazin, who is available for transfer. Ritchie has long admired the Canadian international, who has also played for Cambridge and Plymouth. Corrazin (28) looks to be surplus to requirements at Northampton following their capture of Marco Gabbiadini from Darlington. Ritchie says Corrazin is one of the strikers they are monitoring and they are currently speaking to various agents. 

Although money is tight at Boundary Park, Ritchie was today given a boost. Chairman David Brierley has given Ritchie some extra cash for wages if he can find a suitable free-transfer signing. No doubt the departure of Richard Graham, one of the club’s biggest earners, has provided some leeway. Athletic have received a major blow on the playing front, with the news that Scott McNiven will miss the start of the season. The defender broke his cheekbone while training with a local side in Blackpool. McNiven helps to train the amateur team and it was during a work-out with them that the accident happened. He has been told to avoid contact for between six and eight weeks, so he is certain to miss at least the opening month. The injury puts on hold McNiven’s hopes of a move — he is currently on a week-to-week contract, having rejected the offer of a new deal.

 Andy Ritchie has welcomed back a full strength squad after the Latics' summer break. All of last season's injured players have made a full recovery and are now in pre-season training in preparation for the new campaign. Neil Adams had to undergo surgery to remove a screw from his foot after it became loose in an old injury. The 35-year-old didn't play after February and was sent home to recuperate. Midfielder Paul Rickers also went under the surgeon's knife. He had battled through the pain barrier with a groin problem and was sent for a hernia operation after any lingering relegation threats had evaporated. Mark Allott was another player who soldiered on last season. He started only four of the last twenty games because of hamstring damage. Veteran John Sheridan also felt the rigours of a hard season and finished with ankle ligament damage. Then there was Jordan Tait, perhaps the unluckiest of all. The 21-year-old defender - a free transfer from Newcastle - was hit by a knee injury not long after arriving at Boundary Park. It restricted him to just six appearances on the bench. The players have all worked hard and physio Alex Moreno is delighted.

 Oldham have already picked up some silverware this season. The under-16's returned from a six-day trip to Northern Ireland with the prestigious Foyle Shield. They drew with Donegal in a 1-1 thriller of a match, the goal coming with a header from centre half Danny Yates. The youngsters then kept their cool to go on and win the trophy 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

 Free-agent striker David McNiven is currently on trial with York City. The forward's contract ran out at the end of the summer and was not renewed. Other players likely to be on the move include five who are currently transfer-listed; Mark Allott, Scott McNiven, Mark Innes, Matthew Tipton and Paul Beavers who has just returned from his loan spell with Hartlepool.