jonnyl@tic

Robinson now available from Leeds

Penney still in search for a striker January 20, 2010 LATICS’ assistant boss Martin Gray admitted the club has some ‘irons in the fire’ as they seek to replace Chris O’Grady. The striker finally completed his move to Rochdale last week for a fee thought to be in the region of £85,000. Pawel Abbott has recovered from a hernia injury but his second-half appearance at Hartlepool United on January 2 was his first game since the defeat to Huddersfield Town two months earlier. Despite missing eight weeks of football, Abbott is comfortably Latics’ leading scorer with seven to his name this season. As a result, Athletic’s coaching staff are seeking reinforcements with one-time loanee Paul Heffernan very much in the frame. Penney is a confirmed fan of the Northern Irishman having spent a then club record £125,000 to take Heffernan to Bristol City in 2005 – from under Athletic’s noses. His loan spell at Boundary Park towards the end of last year brought one goal against Exeter City and a missed penalty at Wycombe Wanderers – which would have been his 100th career league strike. "We’re looking for a new striker and we have a few irons in the fire," admitted Gray. "We’re still looking to try and strengthen in that department because we can’t solely rely on Pav. "There are some weeks coming up when we have to play Saturday and Tuesday so we need other options up front – otherwise it’ll come back and bite us on the behind. "I don’t think Chris particularly wanted to come back once his loan was over which I understand; he’s gone there, kickstarted his career and we’ve got a good deal."

Would be surprised to see Heffernan return before the last few days of the transfer window.. Out of contract in the summer and likely to move on next season, makes sense for Heff and Donny to leave any move whilst the last minute see what options they have

Injuries to Ben Burgess and Billy Clarke had left the Seasiders short of attacking options and Holloway's squad has been further hit by David Vaughan's suspension. Nardiello, 27, has proved his fitness and form by scoring four goals in six appearances for Bury. Holloway said: "He will be involved somewhere along the line this weekend. "I have always believed in his talent and now he's fully fit, so that's great for us."

Danny's a Sunderland fan

Any chance of a deal before tonight?

Yep Heffernan whilst Jan

Steve Thompson would be nice

Can't see this one myself we already have Furman, Whittaker, :censored: and Worthington central

How much did they get for Barker? would be dissapointed to see him go for under 750k. They have just spent 500k on that lad from Rangers. Will Lomax now go to rightback and Gilbet at left? received some good reviews from Southend gaffer whilst on trial "Championship Quality" wanted to stay in the North though.

Gavin Gunning big strong centre half just signed for Tranny from Blackburn

team mate Blackman young striker or has Byfield now signed???

OLDHAM boss Dave Penney says he will not be bringing in players `for the sake of it' as he looks to boost his squad before Saturday's opening game of the season against Stockport. The Latics boss remains on the look-out for a central defender to put pressure on Reuben Hazell and Sean Gregan. Penney, who cast an eye over Blackburn Rovers' striker Nick Blackman during their friendly with Accrington Stanley last week, is demanding improved defending from his squad. Having brought nine senior players to Boundary Park over the summer Penney has seen his defence ship eight goals in their final three pre-season games. He said: "Defensively it's a concern but we won't be getting anybody in for the sake of it; we want to get the right players in, but we can't keep giving goals away."

Parker takes his shirt 17

still negotiating his release from Hudds we are hopefull of completing the deal today according to the Chron

nothing mentioned about Thursday lets hope DP has a back up (another Ian Moore saga)

No mention of Parker in the Holdsworth interview when mentioning players he knows already Worthington, Pav, Taylor and Greegs no Parker

Good signing if true happy with Parker and Holdsworth

Ian Moore anyone????

we have to be able to afford his wages first turned down a move to Barnsley due to wages and Hudds offered him more than Swansea when he signed for them.. Had talks up in Scotland this pre-season but Kilmarnock couldnt afford him Hearts are also chasing him I believe...

has this signing now fallen through?? two weeks left would we be happy with COG and Pav upfront against Stockport?

if he does go Andy Holdsworth wants to stay in the north on trial at Bradford

Some good strikers mentioned out of contract Mifsud etc.. Would like to see O'Grady do well this season but can't see him getting 15-20 goals we need from him. Lets hope Abbott can keep fit and hit 20 we know he can do it 27 for Hudds a few seasons ago Lewi to have 6 months out on loan see what he can do can't see Wolfy getting a contract and Brooke will have a season in reserves maybe the odd appearance.. Probably see a young Prem striker arriving maybe the lad mentioned from Blackburn or the lad Nile Ranger at Newcastle rated very highly

maybe we can now get our striker

Todays Mirror - Blackpool have sold Barker 900k and want to replace him with Eardley for 200k How much 500k and accept? Lomax/Purdie to play rightback and sign a decent striker Andy Bishop..