The job is Royle's

Manager Joe Royle has been offered the chance of taking on the role of Athletic's manager on a permanent basis. Alan Hardy said, "We would like to have a chat with Joe this weekend. The job is there if he is happy with the budget available for players. We had an open mind as to the future when he arrived here, as did Joe, but the players seem to like him and obviously the fans do. Even if he is not here next season, hopefully he will still offer us advice."

If Royle does stay it will be without the backing of John Wardle who it had been rumoured that he was ready to join the board. Wardle knows Royle from when he was at Manchester City and is the co-founder of the JD Sports retail chain. JD sponsored the club during Athletic's Premiership days but Mr. Hardy dispelled the rumours by adding, "John is a good friend of the club and has been to watch us this season. He also called in for a chat over a cup of coffee with me, Simon Corney and Joe recently. However, he does not want to get involved with any club at present. He has considered it but, with his other interests and after discussing things with his family, he feels it is not what he wants at this stage."