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BOUNDARY BULLET-zine
 
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Today's Edition for
 
    11th April 2000    
 
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Today's Headlines
 Oldham Evening Chronicle 
Ritchie calls for Athletic encore

ATHLETIC will be aiming for a memorable double at Boundary Park tonight (Tuesday) when they take on their promotion-chasing neighbours from Wigan. Andy Ritchie’s side sent shockwaves around the second division when they ended Wigan’s 24-match unbeaten run back in January. Victory tonight would be another major achievement —especially as Wigan are in fine form and Athletic have lost their last two games. Ritchie said: “They won’t just be coming here for revenge, they also want to stay in the automatic promotion places. “I know they have a few injury problems, but they have such a big squad that it won’t hit them all that hard.” The Athletic boss needs to pick up his troops’ morale for the derby game following the woeful performance at Bournemouth on Saturday. 

Wigan are in second place and are sure to provide a real test of character, as well as ability, in the twice-postponed fixture. Athletic will have to do without top scorer Mark Allott, who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem. Steve Whitehall looks sure to join Ryan Sugden in attack as Craig Dudley is not yet fit to return. Key defender Shaun Garnett is also a major doubt after picking up a knee injury at Bournemouth. If Garnett misses out, Ritchie will have the option of giving teenager Ben Futcher his second league start. Alternatively, Scott McNiven could move into the centre, with Paul Rickers earning a recall at wing-back. Defender Stuart Thom, striker Matthew Tipton and midfield man Phil Salt are all added to the squad. 

ATHLETIC (from): Kelly, Jones, Hotte, S McNiven, Rickers, Holt, Duxbury, Sheridan, Innes, Whitehall, Sugden, Futcher, Boshell, Salt, Thom, Tipton, Garnett, Miskelly. 

Injuries will deprive Wigan of former Athletic forward Stuart Barlow, plus their star of the season, Andy Liddell. Michael O’Neill and Alan McLoughlin are also out, while Jeff Peron and Terry Cooke, on loan from Manchester City, are doubtful. 

WIGAN (from): Carroll, Balmer, de Zeeuw, Green, Clegg, Sheridan, Redfearn, Cooke, Peron, Haworth, Roberts, Griffiths, Bradshaw, Nicholls, Martinez, Morris, McGibbon, Stillie. 

Meanwhile, Chesterfield —Athletic’s opponents at Boundary Park next Tuesday — today sacked manager John Duncan. They are currently nine points adrift at the bottom of division two and have won only five of their 40 league games this season. Duncan, who had been in charge for seven years, had been under intense pressure from supporters, who called for his head when Athletic won at Saltergate in November. 

Boshell takes it all in his stride

TEENAGE midfielder Danny Boshell is being groomed for stardom after making his first-team breakthrough at Boundary Park. Boshell began the season as an unknown player in Athletic’s under-19s, but is now a regular member of the senior squad. The rise has come at a meteoric rate, leading Andy Ritchie to tout his latest discovery as a long-term replacement for John Sheridan. But it hasn’t fazed Boshell, who knew it was just a matter of time before the manager gave him the call. “I was playing well in the reserves and, to be fair, I thought I should have got a chance before I did,” said the 18-year-old.

“I was only a sub for the reserves at the start of the season, but I haven’t really been surprised by what’s happened. “It’s obviously a big step up and the main thing I found was a difference in the pace of the game. “But you get used to that when you train with the first team every day and it hasn’t been too much of a problem.” After brief substitute appearances against Gillingham and Wycombe, Boshell made his full debut last Tuesday in the home defeat by Stoke. He wasn’t out of place, even though he looks younger than his tender years. The fact that he started the game alongside Ryan Sugden was cause for extra celebration as the two Bradford lads have been close friends since the age of six. Managers often keep first call-ups to themselves for fear of the debutant getting too tense in the build-up. Boshell was told well in advance, however, perhaps showing that Ritchie feels confidence is a major part of his make-up.

“I found out after training on the Monday,” Boshell recalled. “I had a look at the team sheet when it went up, and there I was. “It surprised me a bit because I thought the young lads would get a game before the end of the season, but that it would only happen after we’d picked up a few more points. “It made it more special that Suggy was playing because we went to all the same schools and we’re now best mates. “I was a bit nervous through Tuesday, but once we got going I settled down and enjoyed it. “The gaffer told me Stoke were a side who let you play a bit and I did find that, especially in the second half. “I’m hoping to stay in the squad for the rest of the season now, and maybe get a few more starts. “Nothing has been said about what will happen, but it’s nice to know you’re being noticed.” Boshell was one of three midfield men to be mentioned by Ritchie as potential successors to Sheridan. Danny Walsh has yet to make the same impression, while Phil Salt is still regaining fitness after a long spell out with injury. That has allowed the youngest of the trio to move a step ahead, learning all the time from his ex-international team-mate.

He would love to emulate Sheridan’s style of play but, as he has a million fewer miles on the clock, Boshell also gets forward whenever possible. “I do like to get to the edge of the box and have a pop,” he confirmed. “I’ve scored a few times in the reserves and it’s something I really enjoy.” But, for all his self-assurance, Boshell knows only too well that one aspect of his game needs extra attention. “I have to work on the defensive side,” he admitted. “And that’s something I’m doing in training. “You can get caught out and Billy Urmson tells me about it a lot. “If you forget to do something defensively, he always sees it and does something about it. “I’ve still got time to improve, though. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Leeds link-up set to be given green light

ATHLETIC are confident that their revolutionary link with Leeds will get the thumbs-up in the next few days. The Football League have launched an investigation into the deal, but Boundary Park officials believe it is not in breach of any regulations. Leeds want to buy a 9.9-per-cent stake in Athletic, as well as sharing the costs of the Boundary Park School of Excellence. It is the first half of the equation which concerns the League, who have warned, in no uncertain terms, that they could use their power of veto. They point out that no club is allowed to hold or deal in shares of other clubs without their official blessing. That permission has yet to be given and both Athletic and Leeds have been contacted for full details of their proposed joint venture. They will argue, however, that Leeds United are not directly buying any part of Oldham Athletic. The shares would be owned by Leeds Sporting Youth Development Ltd, the owners of the Elland Road giants. While that may be a technicality, it could also be enough to stop the League blocking the deal, which could be worth up £1million to Athletic over five years. The League are due to meet this week and this thorny issue — the first of its kind to come anywhere close to a formal footing — will be on the agenda. The outcome will be watched intently by other Premiership clubs, who are likely to follow the Leeds example if the go-ahead is given. Competition for youngsters is fierce and there are several examples of unknown players being transferred at very young ages. Jermaine Pennant was 16 when he moved from Notts County to Arsenal for a fee which could reach £2million, while other shock deals have seen Steve Bywater leave Rochdale for West Ham and Manchester United spend £250,000 on Scarborough 15-year-old James Jowsey. By linking with Athletic, Leeds would widen the area from which they are allowed to attract the stars of the future. They are aiming to steal a march on their rivals — but, with so many lower league clubs in financial peril, there would be no shortage of volunteers when the likes of United, Liverpool and Arsenal tried to catch up.

ALLOTT JOINS ATHLETIC’S TON-UP CLUB 

MARK ALLOTT reached a career milestone on Saturday when he completed his first century of league matches. The striker, who unfortunately marked the occasion by injuring his hamstring, made his debut under Graeme Sharp in October, 1996. That was a happier day as Allott’s first taste of league football also brought his first goal, only minutes after he came on at Bolton. His tally now stands at 20, plus two more in the Worthington Cup.

Just a quick thank you to all the people who have sent their best wishes to Yvonne and myself after our engagement over the weekend. Much appreciated. Gary.
 Teamtalk Oldham
Garnett's fitness test

 Oldham will give a late fitness test to Shaun Garnett before looking for a double over promotion-chasers Wigan in tonight's match at Boundary Park. Oldham were the first side to beat Wigan on their own patch and now take on the only unbeaten away record in England and Wales. The big defender Garnett has been under intensive treatment since picking up a knee problem in last weekend's defeat at Bournemouth. Garnett's knee has been locking when he runs and it is a case of waiting to see if he responds to treatment. Boss Andy Ritchie has warned that this Wigan contest will be hard for the boys, going into the match on the back of two defeats. Ritchie said: "We will have to start playing better or it could be three. It would be great if we could do it again but Wigan are going great guns and it is going to be a hard game. "There is no doubt that if we play to our full capabilities then we will be in with a shout. We have beaten Wigan once before so there is no reason why we can't do it again." Ritchie also has to find a replacement for top scorer Mark Allott who is out for the rest of the season with hamstring problems.
Craig Dudley is also close to returning after a similar injury but may have to delay his comeback for another week. That could leave the way open for the return of Welsh international Matthew Tipton who has found himself out of favour in recent weeks. If Garnett is ruled out then the most likely reshuffle would Scott McNiven switched to the centre, with the versatile Paul Vickers coming in at right back.

Duo make up


 Oldham duo Gary Kelly and Paul Jones have made up their differences after squaring up at Bournemouth after the Robins' second weekend goal. The match referee had to step in to separate the two players after they disagreed as to who was to blame for the home side's goal. Andy Ritchie has already decided not to take any disciplinary action against the pair and Republic of Ireland international Kelly admitted that the matter is closed. Kelly said: "We were just disappointed with the way we gave away the goal and it was a heat of the moment thing. "We both believed each other was at fault, but there is no point dwelling on it and I bought him a pint as soon as I could after the game."

Boss hits back at defender criticism


 Andy Ritchie has voiced his displeasure at the criticism levelled at the Latics' defenders by fans during the recent game with Cambridge. Ritchie felt that some sections of the club's support had not paid sufficient attention to the counter-attacking style that many teams use against Oldham. The boss said: "Some people were moaning by half-time, but you had to look at the way they came to play. They were very physical, had one shot at goal all game and didn't give us any time on the ball. "Before last Saturday at Bournemouth we had been defending very well and I don't see why people are getting on the lads' backs. "They were trying their best and I have said before that teams who come to our place try to catch us on the break. "We have to make all the running and it is very difficult when other the other side just wants to defend.
 Manchester Evening News OLDHAM take on promotion chasing Wigan at Boundary Park tonight on the back of two defeats. Latics’ boss Andy Ritchie told M.E.N. Sport: ‘‘We will have to start playing better or it could be three’’. Oldham were the first team to beat Wigan at the JJB Stadium and now face the only unbeaten away record in England and Wales. Ritchie added: ‘‘It would be great if we could do the job again but Wigan are going well and it’s going to be a hard game. ‘‘We didn’t deserve anything at Bournemouth on Saturday and we can’t afford to play like that again. ‘‘Everybody had an off day and I am hoping they have got it out of their system. If we play to our full capabilities then we will be in with a shout. We have beaten them once so there is no reason why we can’t do it again.’’ Wigan manager John Benson expects few favours at Boundary Park but hopes to have star man Andy Liddell back after a thigh injury. Liddell has missed Wigan’s last two games and if fit, he’ll lead the line with Simon Haworth who scored twice in the 2-0 win over Oxford. Benson says: ‘‘Oldham are never an easy side to play against but this is our game in hand and one we must win to stay in touch with the leaders and keep ahead of the play-off pack.’’ Oldham are without top scorer Mark Allott who is sidelined with a pulled hamstring. Defensive strongman Shaun Garnett is carrying a knee injury and is said to be doubtful. Ritchie is hoping his side can return to the recent form of six matches unbeaten which took them to 11th in the table last week — the highest since he took charge at Boundary Park.
 ESPN Soccernet Oldham Athletic have central defender Ben Futcher ready to make his debut against local rivals Wigan Athletic at Boundary Park. Futcher, 17, who stands at 6'5", will step in for Shaun Garnett, who took a kick in the 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth. Striker Mark Allott has a hamstring injury and will sit out the game as boss Andy Ritchie selects from a skeleton squad. The substitutes' bench is likely to be filled with trainees as Oldham look to cause a shock against their high-flying visitors. Wigan may be without Jeff Peron and Terry Cooke, who both suffered knocks in the win over Oxford. The pair will be given late fitness tests as they look to be included against Oldham in the Lancashire derby. Otherwise, boss John Benson should name a similar side after his men moved second in the table. Striker Andy Liddell is sidelined again as he has not recovered from the thigh strain which has kept him out of the last three games.
Contributions and letters should be sent to Gary Davies by e-mail at LaticsGary@cwcom.net.Boundary Bullet-zine Archive can be found at http://www.oocities.org/laticsgary.geo.The views expressed on this e-zine are not the views of Oldham Athletic F.C. nor necessarily the views of the Editor.This e-zine is a unofficial publication NOT sanctioned by Oldham Athletic Football Club.The editor will not publish any letters containing bad language.This e-zine is written using Microsoft Outlook Express and is best viewed with the HTML (rich) text option enabled.