11th July 2000   

Goram pledges Motherwell future

ATHLETIC today welcomed French striker Robert Mpoyi Onskoko to Boundary Park for trials. The 19-year-old spent the first three years of his career at Paris St Germain, one of Europe’s top teams. Onskoko joined French second division club Creteil on his release and scored 14 goals in 28 appearances for them last season. The player, who has African ancestry, will not command a fee because he is an amateur. “There are some good players in the lower divisions in France and they are worth looking at,” said the player’s agent, Phil Black. “Onskoko has an impressive CV.” 

Black pointed out that Frenchman Nicolas Anelka was similarly unknown when he was signed by Arsenal. He added that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Liverpool’s Gerard Houllier have both unearthed gems because of their in-depth knowledge of French football. Black points out that he discovered French player Michael Kaprilla, a 19-year-old who has been a huge hit in the short time he has been at Bolton Wanderers. He said: “Until Robert works out with Oldham we won’t know if he is what they are looking for. But he is desperate to play in England and it is a great opportunity for him. “I have a long relationship with Oldham from Joe Royle’s days and I know they are looking for a centre forward. It would be nice if I could help them. 

“Oldham is a friendly, family club and the sort of place which should suit Robert.” There have been no new developments on the transfer front involving Andrew Holt and Mark Innes. Defender Holt has been the subject of an inquiry from an unnamed club and Athletic have told them the fee they are seeking. Scottish midfield player Innes, whom Athletic listed last season, is attracting interest from Tranmere, but they have not followed up an initial inquiry. 

Oldham have suffered a major blow before a ball has even been kicked in the new campaign. Twenty-one year old defender Scott McGiven will miss the start of the season after he fractured his cheekbone in an accidental clash of heads while playing in a five-a-side game with an amateur club at home in Blackpool.
It means the player will be out for up to eight weeks and it has also dashed any hopes the club might have of cashing in on the Scotland under-21 man's growing reputation. McNiven is one of five players on the Latics transfer list but any interested club will now put a possible move on hold. The player has rejected a new two-year contract and is currently on a week-to-week agreement.