Moore given vote of confidence

Last updated : 11 November 2005 By The Chairman
Athletic's owners have given a vote of confidence to manager Ronnie Moore who was under fire after last weeks disappointing draw against Chasetown. They are confident that Athletic will come good soon. The Latics have been hit by injury and Moore has repeatedly stated that his team will perform when he has a fully fit squad, but isn't that the reason for having a large squad in the first place? Athletic are carrying one of the largest squads in League One and are still struggling to find the right blend.

Simon Corney (pictured) tried to instill some calm by stating, “We aren’t necessarily where we want to be, but we are 100 per cent behind the manager. We chose Ronnie to lead the club on a long-term basis and things aren’t as bad as some people seem to think. He hasn’t been able to pick his best team yet, but we are one of many clubs in the pack and still looking at promotion. And even though the performance at Chasetown was a big disappointment, we are still in the cup as well."

“We are a million miles from being in crisis, although it’s fair to say a few of the players need to pull up their socks and start doing better. Once a manager gives his instructions, it’s up to the players to carry them out. It’s their responsibility to perform. Some of them haven’t been doing that, which is disappointing for the board and supporters but also the manager. We are confident Ronnie will sort things out and move us up the table, especially when he can pick from a full squad.”

The good news is that goalkeeper Chris Day should be fully recovered from his calf injury and should be fit enough to start against Doncaster on Sunday. Squad (from): Day, Scott, D Hall, Owen, Tierney, Warne, Hughes, Wellens, Eyres, Porter, Liddell, Forbes, Edwards, Beckett, C Hall, J Taylor, Branston, Butcher, Cronin.