Dowie hopes that takeover will bring new players

Last updated : 13 October 2003 By Dave Moore

The Football League board of directors are meeting to discuss the Latics updated financial circumstances. The recent progress on funding could mean that the club will be given more time to come up with a long term solution to their problems. With the impending takeover at the end of this month boss Iain Dowie will be looking to the new owners to put up some money to improve his current squad. The club is currently under a transfer embargo and any signings will need to be within the wage ceiling of £500 per week.

Dowie is looking forward to meeting the new owners and said, “I’ve spoken to them already and they are mindful of keeping me informed, which is hopefully a good sign. Although we need to take things one step at a time, they seem to be positive and honest people. I’d like to have a full, in-depth discussion because our budget for players is at the lower end of the scale for this division. Sure I’m happy with the players we’ve got here, but it’s no secret that I would like a bigger squad.”

Dowie’s decimated squad from last season currently numbers 18 professionals, a number which includes 5 teenagers. The squad is bolstered by two loan players (Calvin Zola and Mark Hudson), John Sheridan’s non-contract arrangement and Matt O’Halloran who is on a month to month contract.