Welcome to today's issue of 
BOUNDARY BULLET-zine
 
The Daily On-line e-zine for Oldham Athletic Supporters Worldwide
 
Today's Edition for
 
          10th September 1999 
 
 
Today's Headlines
 Oldham Evening Chronicle 
RICHARD GRAHAM is the shock inclusion in Athletic's squad for tomorrow's derby clash against Bury at Boundary Park. The central defender, out since December with a knee injury, wins his call after only one hour's action in the reserves on Wednesday night. Graham won't start, but there is every chance he will be on the bench as Athletic are short of central-defensive cover. Ritchie believes it is important to get Graham involved in readiness for his return. 

He said: "It wouldn't be prudent to throw Richard straight into the side for the sake of another week. "We are down to the bare bones at the back and I will think long and hard overnight as whether to have him on the bench. "Whatever happens it is important to get him involved in the first-team squad once again and it should give both him and the fans a lift." Striker Paul Beavers, who has an Achilles injury, and young 'keeper John Mohan lose their places from the squad which travelled to Gillingham. Back in the 17-man party come Graham, Phil Salt and 'keeper David Miskelly, on his return from international duty with Northern Ireland under-21s. 

It looks as though Steve Whitehall, back from injury, will make his first start of the season alongside Mark Allott. Ritchie spelled out the importance of the match after losing their first five league fixtures. "It's a massive match and one we have to win," admitted the Athletic manager. He believes that once they get off the mark it will kick-start their season. There will be added spice as the match sees former Latics boss Neil Warnock and four former Athletic players returning to Boundary Park. 

ATHLETIC (from): Kelly, Miskelly, Holt, Garnett, S McNiven, Rickers, Duxbury, Adams, Sheridan, Whitehall, Allott, Sugden, Tipton, Tait, Salt, Innes, Graham. Former Athletic striker Adrian Littlejohn is a slight injury doubt for Bury. Littlejohn, who has scored three goals this season, pulled up in training yesterday complaining of a tight hamstring. Darren Bullock, a substitute in last Saturday's draw at Luton, is also a worry as he has an ankle infection. 

BURY (probable): Kenny, Collins, Redmond, Swailes, Billy, Richardson, Daws, Reid, James, Littlejohn, Lawson. Subs (from): Preece, Avdiu. Rocha, Williams, Barrick. 

 Teamtalk Oldham 
Ritchie happy after dreaded backing
Andy Ritchie has revealed he is not unduly worried - despite being given the dreaded "vote of confidence" from his chairman this week. David Brierley sprang to Ritchie's defence and pleaded with fans to be patient and give him time to build a side. Ritchie said: "He spelt out in no uncertain terms that we have no money. I do believe most of the players at the club are of a high enough quality to see us through. "But I would like to strengthen the squad as well, and it's got to be sorted out sooner rather than later." 

 Yahoo Football Oldham Steve Whitehall is favourite to lead the line in Saturday's big derby game against Bury at Boundary Park - his first start of the season. Latics boss Andy Ritchie decided it was time to promote the 32 year old from the bench after recovering from injury. Oldham have made their worst ever start to a campaign, with five straight defeats and just one goal scored. Whitehall is still striving for full match fitness following an ankle operation at the end of last season, but he did score a superb goal for the reserves at Grimsby in midweek - his second at that level in four matches. Ritchie said: "Steve has done well in the reserves, and he was also lively when I brought him on against Gillingham." The boss' big decision is who will be Whitehall's strike partner - with Mark Allott, Matthew Tipton, Ryan Sugden and David McNiven to choose from. Definitely out is Paul Beavers, who is struggling to overcome an Achilles tendon injury. Ritchie is expecting a very hard and very physical derby contest, and he said: "It could well turn out to be our toughest game of the season. With four ex-Latics  players in the Bury side and a former manager in charge we know exactly what to expect from the off. "It has all the makings of a crunch fixture, and we desperately need to get something out of it if we are to turn things round and climb off the bottom of the table." 
 Contributions and letters should be sent to Gary Davies by e-mail at GaryDavies@pinevilla1897.freeserve.co.ukThe views expressed on this e-zine are not the views of Oldham Athletic F.C. nor necessarily the views of the EditorAny complaints will be dealt with swiftlyThe editor will not publish any letters containing bad languageThis e-zine is written using Microsoft Outlook Express