Talbot unhappy with JJ and Jack

Last updated : 14 September 2004 By Dave Moore

Latics manager Brian Talbot is not happy with the International commitments of Jermaine Johnson and Rodney Jack and has held talks with both players. The result of the talks is that both players have been told that their Boundary Park careers could be in jeopardy if they continue to miss vital matches due to International call-ups. It is a difficult position for the players who are obviously proud to represent their countries. It is also a difficult decision for the manager as the club have no option but to release the players if they are called up for World Cup qualifiers.

Talbot said, “We pay their wages for 52 weeks a year so they should be available for the whole of that time. When you’ve got someone who is going to miss games throughout the season, it makes you wonder if they are really worth keeping. It would be fine if Jack or Johnson (pictured) played for one of the home countries because catching a European flight is only like driving to London. But they are flying to the Caribbean and back which is bound to take its toll. The St. Vincent match was put back from Wednesday to Friday and I accept there was nothing Rodney could do, but when he signed he said there was no danger of missing club games.”

“It’s a great honour to represent your country but, as manager of Oldham Athletic, I want all my best players available. They both would have missed the Tranmere game last week if it had gone ahead. And, although Johnson got back this time, how can he play at his best after travelling long-haul through the night? The players themselves should realise this situation, so I’ll be sitting down with them both.”

Johnson didn’t arrive back until Friday night and was on the bench against Hartlepool while Jack missed the whole game due to Hurricane Ivan.