Ben happy at home in Oldham

BEN WILSON

BEN Wilson did not have to think too long before taking to the road and heading to Athletic.

The Cardiff City goalkeeper, who hails from Stanley in County Durham, headed down the A1 from his home after receiving the call to play as a trialist on the morning of the Manchester United friendly at the start of the month.

Having got 45 minutes under his belt that night, manager John Sheridan was sufficiently impressed to reward the former Sunderland man a chance to feature on loan - just as he has previously at Wimbledon and, last season, Rochdale.

The arrival of Johny Placide (see Back Page story) provides competition for the number one spot ahead of the Blackpool game.

That's unlikely to stifle the enthusiasm of Wilson, though, who feels that the campaign can be a success both on a personal and a team level.

"I know the club and the area well and for me, League One football is a great opportunity to step on and go where I want to in life," said Wilson, in a question-and-answer session with supporters.

"I didn't hesitate in coming. I got the call before the Manchester United friendly on the Tuesday and I didn't have to think twice about it. I know something special is going to happen this year with the club."

As it stands, Wilson's loan spell runs up until January.

However, a player who kept two clean sheets in eight appearances for Rochdale last term - one of which was at play-off semi-finalists Fleetwood - says that given the chance, he would extend that arrangement up until the end of the season.

OPPORTUNITY
"I would love to," Wilson said. "This is an opportunity to prove what I can do. I'm using these six months to enjoy it and to do as well as I can and I certainly will do that.

"If I get the opportunity to stay to the end of the season, then I wouldn't hesitate."

o THERE are limited advance tickets left for the Blackpool game on Saturday.

Fans can pay at the away ticket booth on the day, but are advised to buy early to avoid queues.

Around 200 tickets are remaining of the allocated 1,000 advance tickets at prices of £22 adults, £18 over-60s and £10 under-nines. Under-11s are free with paying adults and tickets go off-sale at 3pm tomorrow.

Tickets are also on sale for the trip to Highbury to play Fleetwood on Saturday, September 9.

Fans can stand in the Percy Ronson stand and there are seats available in the Parkside stand.

Season ticket holders have priority until tomorrow.

After that, tickets go on general sale on Tuesday, August 29 priced at £22 adults, £17 concessions, £10 students and under-18s, £5 under-16s and with under-fives free.