Latics to take City to task

The Latics are to report Manchester City to the Football League for poaching two young players unless they can agree a satisfactory compensation package. The players, Ryan Hanson, a 9 year old and Micah Richards, a 13 year old have now both signed for Manchester City after being illegally approached when they were registered to Athletic.


Alan Hardy is hoping to negotiate a satisfactory compensation deal for Athletic with regards to the illegal approach but if Manchester City fail to agree, the matter will be brought before the Football League Appeals Committee.


Manchester City have tried to poach players from Athletic before. Two years ago they approached Adam Griffin, the young player who made his debut for the Latics as a substitute in the final match of the season, and also Chris Robinson, a player who has now left football.


Alan Hardy said, “It is disappointing to lose two players who were both exciting prospects in this way. The settlement that we are looking for from Manchester City is not excessive, but we believe that we should be compensated for the loss of these players. If we can not come to a satisfactory agreement with Manchester City, we may need to involve the Football League.”