Welcome to today's issue of 
 
The Unofficial Daily On-line e-zine for  247 Oldham Athletic Supporters Worldwide
 
Today's Edition for
 
    7th February 2002 
The logo's are used with the permission of Oldham Athletic Football Club
 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Tipton to miss Latics big game MATTHEW TIPTON has been ruled out of Athletic’s home match against Brighton on Saturday because of an ankle injury. The Welsh under-21 international striker picked up a knock in Tuesday’s Manchester Senior Cup tie against Bury. Tipton’s absence - he was on the bench at Notts County - will be compensated for by the return on Allan Smart. Smart was forced to pull out of last Saturday’s match because of a new arrival to his family, daughter Kara. Athletic are still waiting for international clearance for Argentinian new-boy Cristian Colusso. They were assured last night the necessary documentation was being faxed to the Football Association and would be with them by this morning. But Athletic discovered it had not been received, so the waiting game goes on. Athletic have been attempting to get clearance for Colusso since last Friday and chief executive Alan Hardy describes the situation as “ridiculous.” Colusso has been signed on loan from Rosario Central until the end of the season and has impressed Athletic in training. If clearance is obtained, Colusso will come straight into the squad for Saturday’s game against promotion-chasing Brighton. The presence of Colusso, who has played for Argentina at under-20 and 23 level, along with Brighton hot-shot Bobby Zamora, is likely to help attract one of Athletic’s largest crowds of the season. The sought-after Zamora has already scored 25 goals for the Seagulls and has attracted interest from a number of Premiership clubs. Athletic keen to seal Appleby deal ATHLETIC have opened talks with Matty Appleby about making his loan move from Barnsley permanent. The utility man has had a big influence in five games so far and could sign before his initial one-month deal runs out. Appleby (29) has been told he has no future with the first-division Tykes, despite being a regular in their side since the mid-1990s. His agent is now in discussions at Boundary Park and the only issue to be resolved is the player’s personal terms. Appleby cost Barnsley £250,000 from Darlington, enjoying a year in the Premiership before he was hit by a run of bad injuries. He is available on a free transfer and keen to join Athletic, for whom he has scored once and helped set up the opener at Notts County on Saturday. Coach Mick Wadsworth is building a midfield for the future as Darren Sheridan is 34, John Sheridan, who has long-standing knee trouble, is 37 and David Eyres – though still a vital player – will be 38 later this month. As well as Appleby, Wadsworth has signed Paul Murray from Southampton and Cristian Colusso on loan to the end of the season. Athletic are yet to receive international clearance for Colusso, blaming red tape in Argentina for the hold-up. He was unable to play for the reserves last night and could now make his debut on Saturday, in a promotion six-pointer at home to Brighton. Allan Smart is definitely in contention for the league match after having a run-out in the reserves’ easy win against Bury. Brighton beat Tranmere last night to stay second, while Huddersfield’s success at Swindon pushed Athletic out of the last play-off place. Meanwhile, supporters’ group SAFE are holding a public meeting on Saturday to formulate their future plans. Members and non-members are invited to provide input at the Brook Tavern, Rochdale Road, Oldham, from 1pm. 
 Official Oldham Athletic Web Site (www.oldhamathletic.co.uk)Content from the Oldham Athletic Web Site is used with permission of Oldham Athletic Football Club Newsflash....on Cristian Colusso

After spending eight days on trying to obtain international clearance for Cristian Colusso, Latics's Chief Executive, Alan Hardy broke the news first to the Club's official website. "After an unsatisfactory delay, I am delighted to confirm that international clearance was obtained at 4:57pm today, giving Cristian Colusso permission to play football in England. It has been rather drawn out but I am delighted that everything has been concluded satisfactorily." He added: "I have just spoken to Cristian in his hotel and the good news was a boost for him as he is celebrating his 25th birthday today. All the necessary documentation is lodged with the Football Association and the Football League, which means Cristain is available for selection for the promotion chasing clash versus Brighton on Saturday." 
Two More Depart

Two more Latics players have left Boundary Park today. Striker Ryan Sugden (21) and mid-fielder Phil Salt (22) have had their contracts terminated by mutual consent.
Both had been made available for transfer some weeks ago but nothing had materialised. However in talks today both players agreed to a settlement on their contracts which were due to run until June. Sugden has been connected with the club for 11 years, first with the Centre of Excellence and then signing a scholarship in 1997. He has been a regular scorer in the Reserves, but after 23 appearances, many as substitute, in the First Team only managed to find the net on one occasion, that being the goal that sent Blackpool down to Division Three in 1999. Salt had a similar tenure at Boundary Park and signed scholarship forms in 1995. He made a total of 32 First Team appearances managing to get on the score sheet on two occasions. Both players are expected to join their former team mates Mark Hotte and Paul Shepherd at Conference club Scarborough.

 Dave at the Bookies                          Latics         Draw       Brighton

   BananaBet               5/4          9/4            7/4

   Bet365                 11/8         11/5           13/8

   BetClass              13/10         19/8            8/5

   BetDirect              11/8         11/5           13/8

   BetSense.com          13/10          7/4            8/5

   Betinternet           13/10          9/4          17/10

   Cash Point            13/10        21/10            6/4

   Centrebet               5/4        23/10            9/5

   Expekt                 11/8        21/10            8/5

   Ladbrokes.com          11/8         11/5           13/8

   NetBetSports          13/10         11/5          17/10

   Paddy Power           13/10        23/10           13/8

   Playit.com            13/10          9/4          17/10

   Sportfanatik          13/10          7/4            8/5

   Sportingbet             7/5         11/5            8/5

   Sports.com              7/5          2/1            9/5

   Totalbet               11/8         11/5           13/8

   UK Betting              5/4          9/4            9/5

   William Hill          13/10        23/10           13/8 

 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Appleby set for permanent Latics move 
The Latics will bid to make Matt Appleby's move to Boundary Park permanent before his loan spell from Barnsley ends on February 16.  The 29-year-old's one month spell is up on Saturday, February 16, but he could well have been signed up before then. The versatile midfielder, who can also play at right-back, centre-half or as a sweeper, is being allowed to leave First Division Barnsley on a free transfer. He has played five games for The Latics and boss Mick Wadsworth believes he will be a useful addition to his promotion-chasing squad. The player has been troubled by injuries, but during his short time at Boundary Park he has shown he is over the setbacks. He began his career with Newcastle before moving to Darlington for a two-year spell, then Barnsley bought him for £250,000 and he was a key player in their Premiership season. He played 185 games for the Oakwell outfit but new boss Steve Parkin decided he was surplus to requirements. Appleby has settled in quickly to The Latics side and he has scored one goal at Port Vale. And Wadsworth said: "He is a very talented player. I have watched him a lot and he is the sort we need to improve our squad. "Matty also has the advantage of being very versatile, capable of playing in three different positions." 
Duo doubtful for Seagulls clash 
Matthew Tipton and Stuart Balmer are battling to be fit for Saturday's visit of Brighton, but Allan Smart and Christian Colussu may be available. Tipton is struggling with an ankle injury, after the Wales Under-21 international picked up the problem in a midweek reserve team win. His chances of being ready in time to face second-placed Brighton are said to be less than 50-50. Balmer is another doubt, as the big defender has been struck down by a virus illness and has been told to rest at home. But striker Smart should be back after being pulled out of last week's win over Notts County, when his wife went into labour and gave birth to a baby daughter. But The Latics are still waiting for international clearance for Argentinian new boy Colusso. The 24-year-old midfielder, who is on loan until the end of the season, has impressed in training and boss Mick Wadsworth is keen to include him in Saturday's squad. 
Royle linked with Owls post Former Latics boss Joe Royle continues to be linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday in the summer to take over from current boss Terry Yorath. Ever since Willie Donnachie was named as Wednesday's assistant-manager, Royle has been touted as a candidate for the manager's job. Yorath is only under contract until the end of the season, and his position could be under threat if Wednesday's fortunes do not improve soon. Royle has been a regular visitor to Hillsborough, fuelling speculation that he is being lined-up by Owls chiefs. But the former Oldham chief insists his presence is merely due to his friendship with Donnachie, as the pair went on to work together at Everton and Manchester City, after leaving Boundary Park.

Latics provide something different The Latics are laying on something different for Saturday's game at Boundary Park by providing music and free gifts for the fans. The PA system will be booming out football anthems, and there will be a re-run of the commentary of their goals against Notts County last Saturday. Trumpeters will also greet the players as they run onto the pitch before kick-off, and club mascot, Chaddy the Owl, will be giving out free footballs, England posters and T-shirts to the fans. Marketing boss Sean Jarvis explained: "The game is a mouth-watering clash as The Latics look to get one over on our promotion rivals. The fans can really help because the more vocal they are, the better the atmosphere will be. Our lads appreciate the support." Confidence is high - Duxbury 
Skipper Lee Duxbury believes the "run in" will be a test of The Latics' character but says the confidence in the Boundary Park camp is high. Oldham dropped out of the top six last night courtesy of Huddersfield's 1-0 win at Swindon but they are still well-placed to make a push for a place in the play-offs although an automatic spot now looks out of reach. And Duxbury believes that the run in to the end of the season will be a huge test of character and, although he admits there will be "blips" in form, he says the confidence in the camp is sky high. He said: "The run in will be a test of our character and luck will also play its part. We have made good progress and, if we keep it up, who knows where we will finish? "For the past three seasons we have been battling against relegation but this time we are at the other end of the table. There is a lot to aim for and the confidence is high. "There will be blips on the way, there always is and it happens to the best sides - just look at Manchester United.
"We haven't been doing badly and the trick is to get good runs going. The manager has brought in some very experienced pros and we know what we have to do.
"We have already bounced back one and there is no reason why we can't do it again." 
Appleby in permanent move talks 
Loan star Matty Appleby is holding talks with Latics boss Mick Wadsworth in the hope of securing a permanent transfer. The Barnsley midfielder's temporary spell at Oldham comes to an end next week and he is keen to resolve his future. Appleby has made four appearances for The Latics and Wadsworth has been pleased with his contribution while Reds boss Steve Parkin has also made it clear to the player that he does not figure in his plans at Oakwell. Appleby's contract is due to expire in the summer and he is looking to negotiate a move now rather than wait until the end of the season when many players will be looking for new clubs. The 29-year-old has made over 150 appearances since joining Barnsley from Darlington for £200,000 five-and-a-half years ago. 
Sheridan set for immediate return 
Darren Sheridan is set to return to action after completing his five-match ban after returning from ankle trouble in the reserves' win over Bury.  The combative midfielder took advantage of rule changes this season which allows suspended players to turn out for the club's reserve team and he played 45 minutes in the 4-0 win over Bury on Tuesday night. Sheridan is currently serving a five-match ban and it was his first taste of match action since damaging ankle ligaments at Chesterfield in the middle of last month. Sheridan, who has a couple of games to go before his suspension is completed, should now be ready for an immediate return in the home game against Tranmere on Tuesday, February 19. 
Sugden brace in reserves romp Ryan Sugden bagged a brace as Oldham's reserves romped to a 4-0 win over Bury in the Manchester Senior Cup last night. The Latics' second string recorded their biggest win of the season, and their first victory in six games, with Sugden recording a brace and Matthew Tipton and Paul Rickers also on target. Striker Allan Smart, who was pulled out of last Saturday's side at Notts County after his wife went into labour, was given half a game to keep up his match fitness levels while Gary Kelly, who has been troubled by an old knee injury, was also given a run out and saved a penalty just before the end. The Latics have already been thrashed by Manchester City and Manchester United in the round-robin competition and still have to face both sides again. Lewis close to Seagulls switch 
Peter Taylor is hoping to complete the loan signing of Leicester midfielder Junior Lewis in time for Saturday's game at Oldham Athletic.  Lewis has been a target of Taylor's for the last month and the boss was originally hoping to bring him in two weeks ago from his former club. However, Taylor delayed his move for the 28-year-old until now so that Lewis, who has worked with him at Hendon and Gillingham as well as Leicester, will be available until May 11 which would take in the end of season play-offs. Taylor has been in touch with Foxes manager Dave Bassett this week and is hopeful that a deal can be concluded in time for him to line up at Boundary Park.
The move, which could be made permanent if he impresses, also faced the prospect of falling through because of the shortage of midfielder's at Leicester at the moment. Lewis has been on the substitutes bench for the last three games without coming on but the injury situation at Filbert Street is now easing and Taylor is hopeful that something can be finalised. He said: "Junior is someone that I know well. I know what he is capable of and he has the advantage of being able to play in three different positions." 
Kuipers boost for Latics clash Michel Kuipers is expected to keep his place in goal against Oldham on Saturday despite still suffering with a niggling thigh injury. Kuipers missed the best part of five weeks between Christmas and the end of last month which prompted Peter Taylor to bring in Simon Royce from Leicester as a short term replacement. The Dutchman has been back in goal for the last two games but was obviously struggling with the injury against Tranmere on Tuesday night and didn't take the goal-kicks in the second-half. Will Packham stands by to replace him if the problem gets worse while Daniel Webb, Paul Brooker and Kerry Mayo are hoping for call ups to the starting line-up after being substitutes in midweek. Royle appointment touted 
Former Manchester City boss Joe Royle continues to be linked with Wednesday as Terry Yorath's contract expires at the end of the season. Ever since Willie Donnachie was named as The Owls' assistant-manager, Royle has been touted as a candidate for the manager's job. Yorath was appointed as coach in October, and with his deal only running until the summer, there is no guarantee it will be extended and his position could be under threat if Wednesday's fortunes do not improve soon. Royle is currently working as a summariser for ITV, but has been a regular visitor to Hillsborough, fuelling speculation that he is being lined up by Owls chiefs. But Royle insists that his presence is merely due to his friendship with Donnachie as the pair worked together for many years at Oldham, Everton and Manchester City. Royle, who was sacked by City in May, is still fighting a compensation battle with Maine Road chiefs. 

 Contributions and letters should be sent to Gary Davies by e-mail at LaticsGary@ntlworld.comor at Boundary Bullet-zine,41 Verney Road,Royton,Oldham,United Kingdom.OL2 6AZ07786 928689Or in the Setons Chaddy end Row R Seats 67 & 68Boundary 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.