Still no official announcement on takeover
Last updated : 14 July 2003 By The Chairman
There has still not been an official announcement from Athletic regarding a take over of the club although it was expected to happen today (Monday). The only news to report is that Chris Moore is trying to sell another two players as he continues his current Latics car boot sale.
After the disgusting sales at knock-down prices of Chris Armstrong and Fitz Hall, Josh Low (pictured) and Tony Carss look to be next in line to move from Boundary Park. £50,000 is being touted as a possible fee for Low, with Bradford City the favourites to claim his services. Although Low came from Cardiff on a free they are entitled to 30% of the fee due to a sell-on clause. Carss is still considering a move to Huddersfield who won’t wait much longer but he’s still hoping to remain with the Latics even though he would be on lower wages. Stoke City and Reading are chasing Clint Hill who would realise another £160,000 but the Latics are hoping the centre back will stay.
All these deals are being conducted by Mr. Moore, who has said that he will hand over his stake in the club but he also states that he is "acting in the best interests of the club" by bringing in money. Athletic are doing their best to stop the departures as they have only 13 players left under contract and are due to begin their shortened tour of Northern Ireland which is only going ahead after a mystery donor offered to pick up the tab.
They will play Lisburn Distillery on Tuesday and Ballymena on Friday. Subject to any more player departures the travelling party will be Les Pogliacomi, Chris Grange, Michael Clegg, Dean Holden, Marc Tierney, Will Haining, Clint Hill, Josh Low, Danny Forde, David Eyres, Lee Duxbury, Danny Hall, Kyle Jacobs, Paul Murray, Darren Sheridan, Danny Boshell, Rob Walker, Carlos Roca, Scott Vernon, Chris Killen, Craig Fleming, Ernie Cooksey (Chesham) and Glenn Robson (Blythe Spartans).