Latics thin on the ground

With movement out of Boundary Park resembling something like a gold rush, Athletic's current squad is starting to look very thin on the ground. With Rocastle and Edwards moving to Port Vale, and with Paul Warne, Simon Charlton, Alan Blayney and the retired Chris Hall all gone, it leaves the Latics with just eight contracted professionals on the books. The club are also waiting to hear from Wellens, Porter, Haining, Stam, and Wolfenden, all of whom have been offered new terms.

It is reported that manager John Sheridan is continuing to work on a number of potential deals for both new and old faces, which adds fuel to the fire that former favourite Neil Kilkenny (pictured) is rumoured to being close to signing for Athletic. 21 year old Kilkenny had an impressive spell at Boundary Park in season 2004/05 after being signed by Brian Talbot and went on to become a popular figure with the fans, making 34 appearances and scoring four goals.

Kilkenny returned to Birmingham hoping to make a breakthrough but is unlikely to have many first-team chances following Birmingham's promotion to the Premiership. The player, who grew up in Arsenal's academy, still has close ties with the Oldham area so the rumours could be true.

If Athletic fail to make any signings they could always enter a local five-a-side league!