Zola could start at Hartlepool

Last updated : 03 September 2003 By Dave Moore

Calvin Zola (18), the 6ft 3in striker on loan from Newcastle United, impressed Iain Dowie sufficiently in this weeks reserve game and training to earn a place in the first team starting line up at Hartlepool. Dowie said, “Calvin has got a lot going for him – he has been absolutely outstanding in training.”

On the down side, it could be Athletic’s final league game as the club has to raise £500,000 by Monday to survive. If they fail to reach the target, league officials can suspend the club from continuing their season. Jon Newell, Athletic’s administrator, said, “The league have been known to give other clubs second chances so, if necessary, we would hope for similar treatment. At the same time, it’s vital we show them how much funding might be available – the more expressions of interest the better. We’ve had enquiries, but nobody has come back with anything concrete, which I must say is worrying. Over the next 48 hours we will contact everyone who has shown an interest and ask if there’s anything we can do to help them reach a decision.”