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Today's Edition for
 
    11th January 2002  
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 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Wadsworth wants show of strength MICK WADSWORTH has challenged his team to cast off their midweek beating and complete a Football League four-timer. Athletic had won three games on the bounce before they were knocked out of the FA Cup and LDV Vans Trophy, the latter match a 5-2 rout against Blackpool on Wednesday. Victory at Chesterfield tomorrow could put Athletic in the play-off zone for the first time under Wadsworth. And he said they needed a show of strength to bounce back from cup-tie disappointment. “It was back to reality,” the coach acknowledged, “and Saturday is a huge game for us to continue our run in the league, which is the most important thing. “We are in a good position – only 10 points from the number-one spot, as it happens – and we have to drive forward. “It will be interesting for me to see how the players react. They should be strong and ruthless enough to put in a good performance. “We were excellent for 20 minutes (against Blackpool), but having Darren Sheridan sent off was always going to make it tough. “We gave ourselves a chance and, even at 3-2, we had nice opportunities, half-chances and balls fizzing around the box. “We could have done with a bit of luck at that stage. But we have to improve at the back because it was our defending on crosses which really let us down.” The Blackpool defeat was Athletic’s worst of the season and they are likely to overhaul their team against managerless Chesterfield. The first change could be in goal as Paul Rachubka – with five clean sheets in his seven games – is set to replace Gary Kelly. At centre-back, David Beharall’s ankle injury, plus a poor display by Julien Baudet on Wednesday, may open the door for Stuart Balmer. John Sheridan is a probable starter in midfield, where Lee Duxbury is doubtful with calf problems. And striker David Reeves, who was cup-tied for the last two matches, returns against the club he has just left. ATHLETIC (from): Rachubka, Holden, Armstrong, Balmer, Beharall, Baudet, Duxbury, Murray, J Sheridan, D Sheridan, Eyres, Smart, Reeves, Kelly, McNiven, Eyre, Tipton, Dudley, Haining. Chesterfield are 18th in division two, but their form has improved since Mark Innes and Mark Allott joined from Athletic. Both players are set to start. The Spireites recently lost manager Nicky Law to Bradford, leaving Dave Rushbury in caretaker charge. Familiar faces take an opposite view MARK INNES and David Reeves admit it will be an odd experience to face their old clubs tomorrow – less than a week after leaving for good. Athletic travel to Chesterfield for a league match and, for 90 minutes, good friends will become sworn enemies. Innes (23) broke an eight-year bond with Athletic when he signed a permanent deal at Saltergate on Tuesday. He scored in both matches while on loan and has taken a starring role in their midfield. Meanwhile, Reeves (34) had a similar impact for Athletic with three goals in three games, all of which they won. With that in mind, it was little wonder the much-travelled striker was offered a two-and-a-half-year contract. In addition, Mark Allott will feature for Chesterfield after agreeing to stay at the Derbyshire club for another month. The on-loan forward – top scorer at Boundary Park in two of the last three seasons – has been given permission to play by Athletic. It all makes for a fascinating clash, in which pride and professionalism will ensure there are no divided loyalties. Reeves only left Chesterfield, where he was captain and top scorer, because they couldn’t afford his salary. But it’s a different story for Saltergate’s new boys: Allott was one of the 13 players told he could leave Athletic and, though Innes wasn’t on that list, the Scot also has a point to prove. Innes said: “It will be a bit strange, but I’m looking forward it. I just hope I don’t start passing to Oldham players! “There aren’t many times when you come up against your old team straight away, but I’m a Chesterfield player and I obviously want to win. “I’ve spoken to Mark (Allott) about the game and I know he is looking forward to it as well. “A lot of the players will know each others’ games and that should make it quite interesting.” Reeves, a Scouser with more than 150 league goals to his name, had four years at Chesterfield before his exit in December. He admitted: “After all that time with the club, it hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’ve left. “I’m sure that will change on Saturday, though. And it’s always strange going back to a place for the first time. “I made a lot of friends there and, hopefully, I should get a decent reception from the home fans. “Chesterfield just wanted to get me off the wage bill. I’m very happy to be at Oldham but if Chesterfield were a more stable club financially, I’d probably still be playing for them.” After Innes and Reeves sealed their free transfers, Athletic coach Mick Wadsworth explained his reasoning. Wadsworth said: “We have to hope we got the best end of the deal but, on previous form and the way David has played so far, I’m sure the fans would be in favour of what we did. “We wish Mark Innes all the best and await developments on Allott because there is a chance they want him permanently. “But David Reeves did a marvellous job for Chesterfield over a number of years. They will feel threatened by him on Saturday.” Athletic have won on their last two visits to Saltergate, with Neil Adams the clincher in 1999/2000 and Allott’s double inspiring a Boxing Day victory the year before. Allott also scored against them earlier this season – someone at Chesterfield obviously has a good memory. 
 Dave at the Bookies                           Chesterfield         Draw           Latics

   BananaBet                    6/4            11/5            6/4

   Bet365                       6/4            11/5            6/4

   BetClass                     6/4             9/4            6/4

   Betandwin.com                6/4           21/10            6/4

   Betzone.com                  6/4            11/5            6/4

   Centrebet                    6/4           23/10            6/4

   Expekt                       6/4            17/8            6/4

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

   Lion Bets                    6/4             2/1            6/4

   OddsAlive                    6/4            11/5            6/4

   Paddy Power                  6/4            11/5            6/4

   Playboy Sportsbook          11/8            11/5           13/8

   Sportfanatik                11/8            15/8           11/8

   SportingOdds                 6/4            11/5            6/4

   Sports.com                  13/8             2/1           13/8

   Totalbet                     7/4             2/1           11/8

   UK Betting                   6/4            11/5            6/4

   William Hill                 6/4            11/5            6/4 

 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 Player To Go

Mark Hotte has had his contract cancelled with the Club by mutual consent this morning.  The Young full-back had spent 9 years with the Club from Schoolboy right through up to Professional level.  He was one of the 14 players made available before Christmas by the Club. Hotte had made 65 appearances for the Club without getting on the scoresheet and over the previous two seasons, he had clocked up over 25 appearances a season.  His only appearance this season came as a substitute at Stoke, in the first round of the Worthington Cup. The player is now expected to follow Paul Shepherd and sign for Conference side Scarborough in the next couple of days. 

 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Two in - one out for Spireites challenge 
Gary Kelly has a knee injury but Lee Duxbury (cramp) and David Beharall (ankle) are expected to be fit to take on Chesterfield away tomorrow. The Latics' major doubt ahead of the trip is over keeper Kelly as the 34-year-old is struggling with an old problem, but Paul Rachubka, on loan from Manchester United, has proved to be a more than capable deputy. Skipper Duxbury has also been having treatment for what appeared to be a torn calf muscle, but that has now been put down to cramp and he is expected to play. Meanwhile, Beharall, who has been troubled by an ankle problem of late, is also expected to be given the thumbs up and veteran midfielder John Sheridan returns after being rested in midweek. The Latics are going into the game on the back of two shock cup exits in four days, having been knocked out of the FA Cup and the LDV Vans Trophy. Mick Wadsworth said: "We are still in a good position in the league and we must drive forward. After the two big disappointments earlier in the week it is a good opportunity for the players to respond in the right way and it will be a test of their character." He added: "It is a big game for us because promotion is the only thing we can achieve now, but it is certainly winnable." Oldham (squad): Rachubka, Holden, Beharall, Balmer, Armstrong, J Sheridan, Murray, Duxbury, D Sheridan, Eyres, Reeves, Smart, Tipton, Eyre, McNiven, Baudet and Kelly.

Reeves goes back to his roots Latics new-boy David Reeves will debut against former-club Chesterfield tomorrow and admits he is apprehensive about the home fans' reaction. The 34-year-old striker spent five and a half years with The Spireites and was a firm favourite with the fans, but he now admits: "I have no idea what sort of reception I will get. "It is always strange going back to your old club, especially when you have a lot of friends there. But my loyalty is to Oldham now, although I hope Chesterfield start winning to climb out of trouble - after we have beaten them!" Lining up against The Latics will be Mark Innes and Mark Allot, with midfielder Innes having only moved to Saltergate earlier this week in a straight swap with Reeves. Striker Allott is in his second month on loan with the club and is also in line to play against his former team-mates.

Carss roars back into contention 
Tony Carss is on the road to recovery as he scored and played for the full 90 minutes as the reserves beat Rochdale 3-0 in a friendly.  The 25-year-old midfielder played the entire behind-closed-doors game against a strong Rochdale side who included several first-teamers. The match was specially arranged to give some of the second string an outing because they have not had any match action for a month. Carss, who has missed 28 games with ankle ligament damage, scored a goal in the win, with soon-to-depart Ryan Sugden bagging the other two. Paul Rickers, another injury victim, also came though the game unscathed. Both he and Carss will be back in action again on Monday night when the reserves travel to Wolverhampton for an Avon Insurance League fixture.

Oldham notch up striking statistic Fans devoted to statistics will be interested to hear that The Latics have the most accurate strikeforce in Division Two, with 160 shots on goal. The impressive tally of shots on target this season is eight more than their nearest rivals Cardiff City. The Boundary Park boys also had 127 shots off target, with two hitting the post. The total of 287 shots have come in 25 league games and that works out at an incredible rate of one every 7.8 minutes. Mick Wadsworth's men, who were once the Second Division's top-scorers, are now looking to win back the battle of the hot-shots. Wadsworth has now paired the experienced David Reeves and Allan Smart up front and predicts that they are going to be a real handful when they have developed an understanding. Boss looks for winning start 
Dave Rushbury takes charge of the side for the first time tomorrow and David Reeves returns to Saltergate as The Spireites take on Oldham. Rushbury has made no secret of the fact that he hopes to be named as Nicky Law's permanent successor and a winning start would put him in pole position. It remains to be seen whether Mark Allott will face the Latics after extending his spell on loan from Oldham. But the Chesterfield line-up should feature former Oldham midfielder Mark Innes who signed on a long term deal earlier this week after a spell on loan. Reeves returns to Saltergate for the first time after completing his move to Boundary Park this week and the popular striker is certain to receive a warm welcome from Spireites supporters. Meanwhile, Martyn Booty, Ian Breckin and Jon Howard are all available after injury. Chesterfield (possible): Pollitt, Payne, Edwards, Booty, Breckin, Howard, Innes, Parrish, Hurst, Burt, Allott.

Reeves returns to his roots David Reeves will make an emotional return to Saltergate tomorrow and admits he is apprehensive about the home fans' reaction. The 34-year-old striker spent five and a half years with The Spireites and was a firm favourite with the fans, but he now admits: "I have no idea what sort of reception I will get. "It is always strange going back to your old club, especially when you have a lot of friends there. But my loyalty is to Oldham now, although I hope Chesterfield start winning to climb out of trouble - after we have beaten them!" 

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.