Beckett signs

Last updated : 19 March 2005 By The Chairman

Athletic have taken the bull by the horns in an attempt to pull their season round by jumping in to sign proven goalscorer Luke Beckett (pictured left) from Sheffield United. Beckett will go straight into the squad for the visit of league leaders Luton Town. Sheffield will not be able to re-call the player due to a clause in the contract. The signing is a major coup for the Latics and shows the commitment of the Three Amigos to fulfill their ‘relegation is not an option’ promise.

Another twist of fate means that Jermaine Johnson (pictured right) may be likely to make a surprise return to the club after having his contract recently paid up. Not quite number one on Brian Talbot’s Christmas card list, JJ has been continuing to train at Boundary Park to get back his fitness. JJ has done enough to impress Ronnie Moore that he deserves another chance and if a pay-as-you play deal can be arranged the striker might just find himself sitting on the sidelines for todays game.

Moore said, “Jermaine has looked nice and bright in training and he will give us pace which we are lacking. I know at time he is hit-and-miss but he can frighten the life out of defenders and he is a constant threat. His fitness levels look good and sometimes you have to take a gamble and hope if you need him for 20 minutes he could be the saviour for you.”

After the midweek screening of the “Brentford Horror Show” Moore has issued a stern warning to some of his soon to be out of contract players by saying, “Those players are playing for their futures because if they are released by Oldham, where are they going to go? It won't be Manchester United. They ought be doing everything they can to make sure we survive at this level. The players have to be bold, stand up and win over the fans. If we go down let's at least do so by giving blood, guts and endeavour.”