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Today's Edition for
 
    22nd January 2002 
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 Oldham Evening Chronicle (www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk) Athletic cry foul over Posh game ATHLETIC have lodged a complaint with the Football League claiming promotion rivals Tranmere are being handed an unfair advantage. The Wirral team are at home to Peterborough tonight, but it is Peterborough’s third game in four days – and their second in 24 hours. They played a league fixture on Saturday and an FA Cup replay last night, so Tranmere were asked to rearrange the match and allow them a break. But the request was turned down for policing reasons. And Athletic fear Tranmere could win three easy points against tired or weakened opponents. Chief executive Alan Hardy wrote to the league, registering his protest at the way Peterborough are being forced to play again. Athletic are one place above Tranmere on the edge of the play-off zone, but their North-West rivals have two games in hand. Mr Hardy said: “Barry Fry (Peterborough’s manager) wrote to second division clubs for support, and we aren’t the only team chasing promotion who have made a complaint. “It doesn’t seem right. Peterborough will have played three games in 72 hours and that could give Tranmere an unfair advantage over other clubs.” Meanwhile, Athletic were hit by an injury blow today when David Reeves was ruled out for around three weeks. The ankle knock he suffered last Wednesday turned out to be strained ligaments, a more serious condition than first thought. Co-striker Allan Smart is over his head injury, but he too has ankle problems and won’t be available at Port Vale tonight. It means Athletic are set to be unchanged from the side which beat Wrexham on Saturday, with John Eyre up front on his own. Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka is staying for a third month after Manchester United agreed to extend his loan spell. Regular ’keeper Gary Kelly is still having problems with the knee which needed surgery last month. ATHLETIC (probable): Rachubka, McNiven, Balmer, Beharall, Armstrong, Duxbury, J Sheridan, Appleby, Murray, Eyres, Eyre. Subs (from): Holden, Baudet, Rickers, Tipton, Corazzin, Hardy. Vale have to make at least one change as forward John Durnin is suspended. PORT VALE (from): Goodlad, Cummins, Walsh, Burns, Armstrong, McClare, Brisco, Rowland, Brooker, McPhee, Bridge-Wilkinson, Burton, Hardy, Antangana, Dodd, Carragher, Delaney. Latics seek double tonic in play-offs rush ATHLETIC will be looking for their fourth league double of the season tonight when they tackle improving Port Vale. There have been only three away wins so far – against Swindon, Blackpool and Northampton – and that mediocre record has kept them outside the play-off zone. Only a month after the sides met at Boundary Park, where Athletic eased to a 2-0 victory, they go head to head again buoyed by encouraging form. Athletic’s run is 15 points out of 18, while Vale have been competing with the best since they were seen off by goals from David Eyres and debutant David Reeves. The most eye-catching result was against Bristol City, with a hard-earned 1-0 win helping to revive the season for Brian Horton’s side. They also overcame Colchester, who are again silencing their critics with a good campaign, and beat promotion-chasing Brentford despite having defender Sagi Burton sent off. Vale’s strength is a forward line which, when firing on all cylinders, is among the most potent in division two. It is also the youngest as Stephen Brooker and Stephen McPhee, neither of whom cost a penny, were born within a few days of each other in 1981. Brooker arrived last season, scoring eight goals in 23 league games, plus a late winner in the LDV Vans Trophy final, after leaving first-division Watford. McPhee was a summer recruit from Coventry and soon proved himself a dangerous forward with enough pace to make him elusive to defenders. Horton added an intriguing option to his frontline strikers last week by signing Cameroon international Mvondo Antangana. The 22-year-old, on loan from Dundee United, is hoping a spell in the Potteries will end in rather more glamorous fashion – with a place among Cameroon’s World Cup squad. Versatility is the name of the game for loan signing MATTY APPLEBY is looking for a new start with Athletic after falling victim to football’s ruthless streak. When it comes to hiring and firing, there is little room for sentiment – just ask the latest arrival at Boundary Park. Appleby, who has signed for an initial month on loan, had five good years at Barnsley and was part of their historic rise to the Premiership. But, as several players have found at Athletic, new managers bring new plans. And Barnsley boss Steve Parkin wasted no time in giving Appleby the bad tidings. Appleby said: “The manager pulled me in and was totally honest. He said there were other lads who could do a job for him and told me I could go. “It hurt a bit and I thought it was harsh because he hadn’t seen me play since taking over. “Football is tough like that, although maybe I was due a move because you can go stale at one club. “It has been a frustrating few months at Barnsley. I’ve had a double hernia, then another hernia when it came away and I’ve spent a while trying to get match fitness. “I knew my chances would be few and far between, so it wouldn’t be a wrench to leave there because I need first-team football.” Appleby had a brief introduction to his new club last Wednesday, going on as a substitute in Athletic’s 2-0 win against Swindon. His full debut came against Wrexham on Saturday when he clocked up 250 league appearances. The 29-year-old has made a career out of being versatile and is comfortable at right-back, centre-back, sweeper, right midfield or central midfield – none of which he played at the weekend. He explained: “I was on the left, which I’m not too keen on because I’m used to seeing a fuller picture of the game. “The position I like best is John Sheridan’s, but he was magnificent on Saturday and it will take a hell of player to replace him. Overall, though, I was quite happy and I’ve been impressed by the ability of the side since I came here. “I knew players like Darren Sheridan, John Sheridan and Paul Murray were very good, but the others have followed them – the quality has surprised me a bit.” Appleby started out at Newcastle, close to his native Middlesbrough, and made a handful of senior appearances. He hasn’t been outside the top two divisions since joining Barnsley from Darlington for £250,000. If the move to Athletic becomes permanent – which is probable rather than possible as both parties are interested – it will end a dramatic chapter in his career. Though he is disappointed with recent treatment at Oakwell, he can also walk away with special memories. He added: “There have been more highs than lows, going right back to my first season when we went up and I played nearly every game. “We knew it would be tough in the Premier League, but I thought we did okay without setting the world alight. “We were unlucky to get relegated in the end, but it was an honour to be involved in what the club achieved. “The fans used to sing ‘It’s just like watching Brazil’. I’m not sure we ever played like them, but the atmosphere in the ground had that feeling.” 
 Stoke Sentinel (www.portvale.co.uk) Vale aim to extend home run Port Vale boss Brian Horton will demand his players do not waste their recent good work as they aim for their fourth straight home win with success against Oldham tonight. His side are full of confidence after Saturday’s fine win at Notts County and Horton says they must not let their standards fall as they aim to overcome an Oldham side who beat them 2-0 at Boundary Park four weeks ago. Horton has a welcome selection dilemma tonight. Without midfielder John Durnin, who serves a one-match suspension, defenders Matt Carragher and Sagi Burton are available after serving their one-game bans at Notts County. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson will again be in the squad, but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench as he continues his recovery from a five-month lay-off with a hamstring injury. Horton said: “I have a few more options, but whatever team I put out tonight, it is important to follow-up Saturday’s win." Spotlight on Oldham Latics manager Mick Wadsworth is suffering a striking headache as he takes his in-form side to Vale Park tonight.Oldham will have to do battle without their regular strike pairing of David Reeves and former Stoke loanee, Allan Smart, who both have ankle injuries. Reeves is the most serious after damaging ligaments, but Smart is also rated doubtful for tonight’s clash. John Eyre is likely to continue up front with golden oldie David Eyres, although Canadian international Carlo Corazzin made a scoring return on Saturday after being sidelined with a double hernia. Eyres has been in sensational form, operating either up front or from the left wing and has struck five goals in the last eight games. Brian Horton’s men are on a high after recording excellent victories against Brentford and Notts County in their last two outings, but Oldham’s recent form has been equally impressive as they push for a play-off place. The Latics have won five of their last six League games including a comfortable 2-0 win against the Vale last month, but there have been blips along the way. A Tony Naylor-inspired Cheltenham beat Oldham 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup earlier this month, when the former Vale star blasted both goals. Blackpool made a mockery of the form book when they hammered Oldham 5-2 in the LDV Vans Trophy just three days later. Manager Mick Wadsworth, who has masterminded the club’s recent rise after replacing Andy Ritchie in the Boundary Park hot-seat, was overjoyed at Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Wrexham, particularly as it was the first time his side had come from behind to win during his tutelage. Wadsworth said: “I have been delighted, because it takes spirit and character. Wrexham were always going to create chances, because they put the big guys forward and started booting it. “Going one behind makes it difficult for you particularly as they were happy to just get men behind the ball. The game was a bit sloppy but we defended our box well, even when they bombarded us in the last three or four minutes.” Manchester United reserve Paul Rachubka has been in excellent form in goal and has had his loan spell extended for a third month, while fellow loanee, David Beherall from Newcastle, has made a favourable impression in the centre of defence with his strong tackling. Vale will need to nullify the threat of John Sheridan in the middle of the park as he attempts to pull the Oldham strings. The former Eire international has forged a useful partnership with Paul Murray, who is settling in after arriving on a free transfer from Southampton.
 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 Latics Support The Posh

The Latics have supported Peterborough United's appeal to the football league about having to play three games in the space of four days.  The Latics feel that the Posh's game this evening at Tranmere, should have been put back 24 hours to Wednesday.  Athletic feel that this gives Tranmere Rovers an unfair advantage over Peterborough who played yesterday in their F.A. Cup replay against Darlington. The League have ruled that Peterborough's game at Prenton Park must go ahead this evening because Tranmere cannot get the Police to man the game on Wednesday because they are holding the biggest Policing operation on Sunday for their F.A. Cup tie with Cardiff City. In last night's other second division game, Brighton won 2-1 at Chesterfield with Bobby Zamora scoring twice for the Seagulls (5 goals in 2 games for Zamora).  Brighton are the visitors to Boundary Park on February 9th.  The other fixtures this evening can be found in Two's Company. Mick Chats about Port Vale After two home wins in four days, the Latics face a tough encounter at Vale Park in their quest for promotion.  The Official Website spoke to Mick Wadsworth about the game: What pleased you most about Saturday's victory over Wrexham?
Three Points, it consolidates our position in the upper half of the table and really gives us a good springboard going into the difficult away game against Port Vale. Paul Rachubka has extended his loan period a further month, how keen would you be to make that a permanent move?
Well I don't think we can talk about that publicly, he's a Manchester United player, if I was ever thinking that way, the first port of call would be to speak to Sir Alex and the people at Manchester United.  That is really something that is left to whether it is a possibility or probability, I honestly could not say anything at this point. Port Vale's home form is quite good, What type of game are you expecting tomorrow?
A tough game, they're a very well organised side and since we beat them before Christmas, they have had a very good run with excellent results and it certainly means that it will be a tough game tomorrow. Saturday's results seem to go well for Oldham, Are you still concerned with gaining points rather than where we are in the league?
Whether I look at the league table or I don't look at the league table, it's immaterial really, all we can do is to do as well as we possibly can.  In the shake up at the end of the season if we're in the play-offs or better then that remains to be seen.  We've just got to keep working and trying to get results week by week. We're you pleased to see Carlo back so soon after his operation?
Yes he is ahead of schedule and the fact that we lost Reeves and Smart in one game, which was very disappointing, then obviously having Carlo back was a little boost.  He wasn't ready for a full game but his cameo was good because he got his goal and sealed the victory. 

 TEAMtalk (www.teamtalk.co.uk) Latics stick with lone striker 
John Eyre is set to remain as a lone striker for Tuesday night's visit to Port Vale, after Allan Smart failed to overcome a ankle injury. The 28-year-old will hopefully return for Saturday's home game against Bournemouth, after picking up the injury in last week's win over Swindon Town. He went up for a ball with a defender and there was a clash of heads before he fell to the ground, landing awkwardly and twisting his ankle. The Latics are already without Smart's strike partner David Reeves, who has more serious ligament damage to his right ankle. Eyre was used as a lone striker in last Saturday's 3-1 win over Wrexham and he will be asked to continue in that role at Vale Park. Carlo Corazzin made his comeback in that game after being out for six weeks following surgery for a double hernia. 
The Canadian international striker came off the bench to score the third goal, but he will only be named as a substitute along with Wales Under-21 international Matthew Tipton. The Latics beat Vale 2-0 at Boundary Park last month but since then they have picked up some good results to climb the table. And boss Mick Wadsworth reckons it will be a totally different game. He said: "They have turned their season round since then. "Their manager Brian Horton will have them well organised and motivated for this one, having lost just twice and winning four times in their last six games. "But we are also going well and if you are going to be a good side you have to go into games believing you can win them. I am confident we can." There is good reason for Wadsworth's optimism. His side have lost just once in their last six games and only one team, league leaders Reading, can better that record. Team (probable): Rachubka, McNiven, Armstrong, Beharall, Balmer, Duxbury, J Sheridan, Appleby, Murray, Eyre, Eyres, Holden, Corazzin, Baudet, Tipton, Rickers, Hardy.

Keeper extends loan spell 
Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, on loan from Manchester United, has extended his loan deal at Boundary Park for a third month. United agreed to the extension this morning, which we see the American-born Rachubka stay at the club until the end of February. The youngster was brought in after injuries to number one keeper Gary Kelly and his deputy David Miskelly. The 21-year-old will have to return to Old Trafford at the end of this loan spell unless The Latics boss Mick Wadsworth makes a bid to sign him permanently. However, Rachubka has already expressed his desire to return to The Reds.

Duo return to training 
Mick Wadsworth has been boosted by the return of goalkeeper Gary Kelly and midfielder Tony Carss to training. The veteran 34-year-old Kelly has been sidelined with an old knee injury which was operated on before Christmas, but since the surgery the experienced stopper has not felt 100 per cent. Another player hoping to be back in training this week is Carss. The workaholic midfielder has suffered a series of injuries this season, ankle ligament damage being the worst. Carss, who was voted as the Player of the Season last year, has missed the last 31 games. The 25-year-old was expected to make his return to action for the reserves earlier this month but he aggravated the ankle injury during a training session.

Latics keeper's dismay 
Unfortunate Irish goalkeeper David Miskelly has had an operation on his dislocated shoulder and won't play again this season. The Northern Ireland under-21 international was hurt at Stoke in mid-November while making his first appearance of the campaign - he has had the tendons tightened and now faces two months of rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, another keeper is also on the mend, as number one Gary Kelly has been recovering from his knee problems after making way for Manchester United loan stopper Paul Rachubka. Consequently, the veteran 34-year-old is expected to re-join the first team squad in training later in the week and could be back in action within a fortnight.
 
Striker dealt injury blow 
Oldham have been dealt another blow with the news that David Reeves's ankle damage is worse than expected, and he could be out for several weeks. Hospital scans have revealed that the ligaments are the problem, and the striker could be sidelined for up to four or five weeks. Boss Mick Wadsworth said: "We will monitor his treatment week by week. He could be out for a couple of weeks, then again it could be four or even longer - we will just have to wait and see." Reeves picked up the injury when he was kicked in the first minute of last week's win over Swindon. He played the full game, but the ankle swelled to twice its normal size afterwards.
They had to wait for the swelling to go down before the full extent of the damage could be diagnosed. Reeves only moved to Boundary Park from Chesterfield earlier this month after impressing while on loan by scoring three goals in four games.

Prenderville joins Shelbourne

Barry Prenderville who was last week released from his contract by mutual consent by Oldham has signed for eircom League club Shelbourne. Prenderville a defender/midfielder only made 12 appearances for the Latic's this season after he damaged a thigh ligament against Brighton last October. Barry was a product of nursery club Cherry Orchard and previously was on the books of Coventry City, Hibernian, Ayr United and St Patrick's Athletic before he moved to the Lancashire club.He made history when Cherry Orchard went to the European Court seeking payment for his move to Coventry where they were awarded a substantial sum.

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.