Brown eager for more

CONCERN . . . paramedics attend to Youssouf Mchangama at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

Latics loan star has taste for first-team action

REECE Brown followed up his classy performance in the goalless draw at Bury by hinting that he would like to return to Athletic next season.

The Manchester United centre-half (20) was one of the few stand-out performers in a listless encounter at Gigg Lane, where he enhanced his reputation as a composed operator at the heart of a defence that had been crying out for a calm presence.

Brown is open to the prospect of another loan spell in order to continue his football education.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Oldham because I am now at the age where I require regular football instead of bits and pieces every few weeks.

“It’s understandable at a club like United that chances are limited, but I feel so much better after playing competitively at this level.

“Everyone has made me very welcome at Oldham and I am grateful for that.”

Whether or not Brown does head back to Boundary Park next season, he believes the future is bright at the club.



A collective sigh of relief greeted the news that midfielder Youssouf Mchangama received the all-clear to return home after a scan at Bury General Hospital following a nasty head injury against Bury.

The Comoros Islands international was out cold for two minutes and left the pitch on a stretcher and in a neck brace after the off-the-ball collision early in the second half.

Play was halted for seven minutes while physios from both clubs attended to him.



ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov admitted the decision taken to release Paul Black was a difficult one.

The injury left-back’s seven-year association with the club will end in the summer, with no new contract in the offing.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t guarantee Paul regular first-team football next season,” said Dickov, of the 21-year-old.

“I will be sad to lose Paul because he is a great kid and his attitude has been fantastic.”



SHREWSBURY will take on Athletic next season after securing promotion from npower League Two.

Swindon are champions and also go up, along with one of Crawley, Torquay or Southend.





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