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Today's Edition for
 
    14th January 2002 
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 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Garnett suffers major setback SHAUN GARNETT has played his last match for Athletic after being told he needs major surgery on his knee. The 32-year-old has cruciate-ligament damage – one of the worst injuries a footballer can suffer. It will keep him out for up to nine months, but the big defender’s contract expires in the summer. He was recently told he could leave Boundary Park and, after six years of service, the club won’t offer him a new deal. Garnett was injured at Colchester in September, hurting ligaments as Athletic suffered their first defeat of the season. He attempted a comeback before Christmas but was forced out of the reserve game at former club Tranmere. Tests have now shown the severity of the problem, which has been known to end players’ careers – Neil Adams retired last summer after a similar setback. The news is a massive blow to Garnett as he will struggle to find a new club while on the sidelines. The Scouser has played almost 200 games for Athletic since his arrival from Swansea for £150,000. He could eventually move into coaching and has already taken steps with a part-time role in Tranmere’s School of Excellence. Meanwhile, Darren Sheridan faces a long lay-off after injuring ankle ligaments at Chesterfield on Saturday. Sheridan was victim of a bad second-half tackle and Athletic fear he will be out for several weeks. The fiery midfielder, who had been sent off in his two previous games, again departed early, but this time on a stretcher. Athletic – beaten 4-2 at Saltergate after going two goals up – will have to reshape their team for the visit of Swindon this week. Paul Rickers could be in contention for Wednesday’s match as he steps up his comeback from knee problems. Having missed the last month, Rickers played in a reserve-team fixture at Wolves today. The 26-year-old has been made available for loan or transfer by Athletic, but the fact he can play at full-back or anywhere across the midfield is a useful asset. Barry Prenderville, who hasn’t made a senior appearance since October, was also due to return. Reserves: Whittle, Smith, Prenderville, Haining, Hardy, Baudet, Boshell, Rickers, Dudley, Tipton, Sugden. Subs: Grange, Doran, Vernon, Griffin, Davenport. Latics cave in 
WITH its colourful backdrop of players facing old friends, this match always had the potential for fireworks. Surely, though, no-one expected the amazing events which lit up Saltergate. Athletic tossed away a 2-0 lead, capitulating to their third bad defeat in less than a week. And, of course, who else but Mark Allott and Mark Innes to engineer their dramatic demise? On-loan Allott was a man possessed, scoring one goal, creating two more and tormenting Athletic with a splendid example of centre-forward play. Innes was smart and efficient in his passing from midfield — it was a toss-up which of them would be man of the match, and Innes got the sponsors’ nod. By contrast, Athletic’s David Reeves was subdued on a ground where he had the status of captain and star player only last month. Beforehand, Reeves admitted: “I don’t know what I’ll do if I score — I love the place.” Well, he never got the chance to find out after missing two clear chances. Crowd reaction to the old boys ran the full gamut from respect to derision: Reeves got a great reception from the home fans, Innes earned some applause and Allott — officially still an Athletic player — was heckled mercilessly from the away end. It was Chesterfield who benefited. And Allott, almost certain to make his move permanent after this display, rammed all that criticism down his accusers’ throats. In the fuss over three men in particular, there is a danger that Chesterfield’s stunning victory could be overshadowed. Under a new management team, which includes ex-Athletic man Lee Richardson, the strugglers produced one of the comebacks of the season. Athletic, meanwhile, need remedial work on a defence which, having leaked nine goals in under two and a half hours, could be sued under the Trades’ Descriptions Act. They were all over the place in a frenetic second half and caved in completely once Allott launched the Chesterfield recovery. Mick Wadsworth’s men are still a threat going forward and, in David Eyres, have a player in red-hot scoring form — this latest goal was his 10th of the season and seventh in 10 games. But that’s no use whatsoever when they are showing so little resistance at the other end. And promotion-chasing teams can’t afford to sacrifice points as carelessly, or as cluelessly, as Athletic did on Saturday. Wadsworth again made changes, with Reeves, Paul Rachubka and Stuart Balmer called up following the 5-2 loss to Blackpool on Wednesday. And Athletic made an ideal start as Paul Murray opened his account for the club in spectacular style. In the 10th minute, Reeves and Dean Holden worked space down the right before Murray took over inside. He controlled, spun and hit an unstoppable 20-yard drive into the top corner — it was a real touch of class from the new midfielder. Chesterfield responded well and, after Allott’s skill left Balmer floundering, Glynn Hurst put a good chance over. Then it was Athletic’s turn to be wasteful as Allan Smart headed tamely at Nathan Abbey from more good work by Murray. The visitors should have made it two after 33 minutes, only for Reeves to be denied by the alert ’keeper when Smart found him six yards out. It was a clear opening for the former Spireite. And he was almost punished by Danny Williams, whose shot forced Rachubka into his first save. Within two minutes of the restart, Reeves made amends by climbing high to flick a header beyond the home defence. They were caught flat-footed, allowing Eyres to run through and slip his low right-foot shot past Abbey from 10 yards. But then came the extraordinary collapse, sparked by Allott and his second goal in three games since leaving Boundary Park. The striker reacted to a loose ball in the box and though his initial effort was blocked by a sea of bodies, he followed up to find an empty net. Now approaching peak form, Allott next found space on the left and got the better of centre-back David Beharall. His deep cross was ideally placed for Glynn Hurst, who headed firmly across Rachubka to make it two strikes in three minutes. An average sort of game had exploded with passion — especially when Allott was involved — and several tackles went in deliberately late. One of them accounted for Darren Sheridan before, in the 66th minute, Chesterfield’s spectacular comeback went on. Again, some strong and direct play was too much for the visitors to handle. And Jamie Burt finished clinically from 10 yards after a dynamic charge at the back-pedalling defence. Utterly rocked by the change in fortunes, Athletic were running in treacle and unable to keep meaningful possession. They huffed and puffed for the last quarter-hour, but Chesterfield’s tight discipline kept them firmly at bay. There was only one sight of goal, an opportunity made by John Eyre and headed over by — you guessed it — David Reeves. This was Chesterfield’s day, and Allott had the final word by setting up Hurst for a brilliant finish which epitomised the Chesterfield fightback.
 Destroyer Mark freed to play by Reeves deal 
IAIN DOWIE defended the decision which allowed on-loan Mark Allott to play for Chesterfield on Saturday. Unlike Mark Innes, the 23-year-old forward hasn’t left Athletic permanently. And it’s common practice for such players to be kept out against their full-time club. Dowie explained that he and Mick Wadsworth, who was unavailable after the game, made the agreement before David Reeves signed for Athletic. The first-team coach added: “We all have a lot of time for Mark Allott, but we wanted David to play in this one so it became part of the deal. “And, with all due respect, we haven’t seen that sort of energetic performance from Mark in our time at the club. “Everything is easier with hindsight, but he did very well so good luck to the lad. “Mark Innes also played well, although you wouldn’t have mentioned either of them as features until Chesterfield got their first goal. “What concerns myself and Mick is the way the team was out-fought and out-battled, which is something we never expect to happen. “I always say you learn more from losing than you do from winning, so we’ll look at this defeat very closely. “It’s about accountability, and in the second half Chesterfield showed more passion and spirit than we did. “There will be a lot of hard work after this and they have to improve, otherwise different players will be tried. “After three clean sheets in a row, we have conceded 11 goals (against Cheltenham, Blackpool and Chesterfield) and there were some poor defensive decisions. “We work hard on the training pitch and you sometimes wonder whether what you’re saying will ever sink in — you shouldn’t have to repeat yourself four or five times. “We’ve still only lost two league games, but at the same time it’s three in a row and there has to be strength of character. “I’m a positive person and I’ll go into the club bright and lively, which I also expect from the players. “We will ask questions of them and see if they are man enough to hold on to 2-0 leads. “This is a blip. The performance was as poor as we’ve had, both defensively and offensively, and it will not continue.” Dave Rushbury, Chesterfield’s caretaker-manager, was delighted with his first game in charge. He said: “We looked ring-rusty in the first half, but Mark Allott’s effort and the passing ability of Mark Innes really helped us after that. “What a bunch of lads we have in that dressing room to come back from 2-0 down. They fought like tigers. “I don’t think Oldham could believe they were two up because they hadn’t really created much, but I said at the time the fairytale might come true. “We changed things round because we thought we could get something from the game — and by crikey we did.” 
 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  
Not Happy

Mick Wadsworth had the Latics first team squad in for extra training yesterday as he made his feelings known about Saturday's performance at Chesterfield.  The Latics had gone into a two goal lead and looked in total control until the home side blasted three goals in thirteen second half minutes. Wadsworth held a meeting after the training session yesterday to discuss the Chesterfield performance, in which he told them that it will not be tolerated again. The Latics now face two home games in the space of four days where two victories are a must for their promotion hopes.

Apple-by-a Latic?

Matty Appleby has joined the Latics this morning and will be training with the first team all week with a view to either a loan move or a permanent transfer. The Middlesbrough born midfielder has played over 185 games for the Tykes but has found first team opportunities difficult this season. He began his career at Newcastle before joining Darlington where he was eventually bought by Barnsley.  He was part of the Tykes side that gained promotion to the Premier League in 1996/97.

Injury Update

After the disappointing defeat to Chesterfield on Saturday, the lads were in training yesterday.  The first casualty to report on was Darren Sheridan, who was stretchered off on Saturday.  Darren was taken for x-rays on his ankle and they have shown severe ligament damage.  This will mean Darren will be out of action for a month, the only good side of things for Darren is that it will coincide with his forthcoming suspension. Tony Carss who was due to play in the reserves at Wolves tonight, injured the same ankle that has been causing him problems yesterday in training.  He was pulled out of the game tonight as a precaution. Gary Kelly's knee is still causing him problems and he is a doubt for the game on Wednesday against Swindon.

 From the PFA Web Site (www.givemefootball.com) Matty ApplebyAge 29
Born Johannesburg
Position Full Back Club History
Club                                      Joined                          Left                 Loan/Trialist             Played      Scored (last two from Rothmans.)
Newcastle United                04/05/1990                  15/06/1994                                            20               7
Darlington                           25/11/1993                  24/01/1994                    L                      10               1
Darlington                           15/06/1994                  19/07/1996                                            89               8
Barnsley                              01/08/1996                                                                            139              7 (to start of this season) This highly efficient midfield player was again a regular in the Barnsley line-up at the start of the 2000-01 season. However he suffered a calf injury in the FA Cup third round tie against Leeds and was then diagnosed as having a double hernia. He eventually came back into contention very late in the campaign and played in the final game at right back. A natural ball winner whose usual role is to provide a link between defence and attack he always gives 100 per cent effort for the cause.   
 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Wadsworth stays focused 
Mick Wadsworth says his side have a good chance of reaching the play-offs, despite The Latics suffering their third defeat in a week on Saturday. Wadsworth's team were knocked out of the FA Cup when Cheltenham surprisingly beat them 2-1 at Whaddon Road last Sunday, and that was followed by Blackpool's 5-2 victory in the LDV Vans Trophy on Wednesday. The poor cup form carried over into the league on Saturday, as Chesterfield bounced back from being 2-0 down to win 4-2 with four second-half goals at Saltergate. Wadsworth said: "We have to put it behind us and look to the future. We have still got a good chance of making the play-offs and we will be going for it. "It's all that is left to us - but it is still lot to aim for." Wadsworth was particularly upset by the manner of Chesterfield's win at the weekend, which saw his side leapfrogged by Tranmere Rovers in the Second Division table, while QPR extended the gap between The Latics and the play-off places to four points. He added: "It is very, very disappointing because everyone knows it was a game we should have won. "We were 2-0 up and had never been in trouble but suddenly everybody stopped playing and we paid the price. "The players were in for training on Sunday and we have talked it over. They know they didn't produce the goods and they are as disappointed as everyone else. "We have two home games this week against Swindon and Wrexham and they have to go out and get some points." Coach Iain Dowie, who put the squad through their paces on Sunday, said: "You learn a lot more about players after a defeat and we will now see how they respond in the next two games." 
Garnett's Latics career over Shaun Garnett has been told he needs major surgery on his knee, while Darren Sheridan could be out for six weeks after damaging ankle ligaments. Garnett was recently told that his contract would not be renewed when it expires at the end of the current campaign, and so Latics fans have seen the 32-year-old in an Oldham shirt for the final time. Garnett's season has been plagued by the injury, which he picked up during The Latics' 2-1 defeat at Colchester in September. And tests have now shown that the defender has cruciate ligament damage - a condition which is likely to sideline him for the next nine months. Garnett has made nearly 200 appearances since he arrived at Boundary Park in a £150,000 switch from Swansea City in 1996. Meanwhile, Sheridan will be out of contention in the coming weeks as a result of the injury he picked up at Colchester on Saturday. The 34-year-old had been sent off in his previous two games and was set to miss a string of matches anyway whilst he served his suspension. 
Allott set to complete move 
Mark Allott looks set to make his loan move to Chesterfield permanent, after tormenting The Latics when the sides clashed on Saturday. The 23-year-old is in his second month on loan at Saltergate after asking for more time to think about the switch. But he has become an instant hit with The Spireites fans, and played a crucial part in their comeback at the weekend - scoring once and making two more goals. Iain Dowie admitted: "He did very well, but we have not seen that sort of performance from him since we have been at the club." Midfielder Mark Innes, who left Boundary Park in the swap deal that saw David Reeves link up with Mick Wadsworth's men, also came back to haunt The Latics coaching staff with a fine performance. 
Reserves in action The Latics reserves are in action on Monday night when they travel to the Midlands to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers. Latics squad: Whittle, Smith, Prenderville, Haining, Hardy, Baudet, Boshell, Rickers, Dudley, Tipton, Sugden, Grange, Doran, Vernon, Griffin, Davenport.
 Official Wolverhampton Wanderers web site (www.wolves.co.uk) Reserves' Chance To Improve

Wolves reserves have the chance to improve their League position this evening when Terry Connor takes a very strong side to take on Oldham Athletic at RAF Cosford.  A win over The Latics would lift Wanderers up to fifth place in the Avon Insurance Premier Division. Eight of the team that started the game at leaders Barnsley last Wednesday will start against Oldham. The three missing men are Joleon Lescott, who has returned to first team duty, Mario Lopez, whose week long Molineux trial has ended, and Sean Connelly who was injured at Oakwell. In comes Andy Sinton, now recovered from one of the many ‘bugs’ that have hit the club, Michael Branch, who is fit again after ankle and groin injuries, and young defender Kenny Coleman. The game kicks-off at 7.00pm and a full report on it will appear on WOW later in the evening. Wolves team: Murray, Sinton, Naylor, Robinson, Coleman, Clyde, Branch, Andrews, Roussel, Miller, Ndah. Subs: McStea, Brown, Ward, McChrystal, Clingan. 

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.