Verdict looms over trialists

ALMOST THERE . . . recent indications suggest that goalkeeper David Cornell will soon sign for Athletic.

DECISION time is approaching for Athletic manager Darren Kelly concerning a number of trialists at the club.

While confirming that South Africa-born defender or defensive midfield man Larry Cohen linked up with the squad for the first time yesterday, Kelly is also checking out other as-yet unnamed players.

The plan is to make decisions soon on those thought likely not to have a future in Oldham. But Kelly hopes to make a couple of deals in the near future, including one to sign former Swansea goalkeeper David Cornell.

“Everything is looking good in training,” Kelly said ahead of Athletic’s first friendly clash at Chester on Saturday. “We have a number of trialists in, including a couple of defenders, and we will be taking a close look at them in the next day or two. It is important we don’t mess people about.”

After Chester, the team will travel to a week-long stay in Stirling, where the side will play a

private match against St Mirren, in advance of a public fixture at Stirling Albion on Friday week.

Home matches against Bolton and Blackburn and away trips to Halifax and Carlisle then precede the opening-day league fixture at Walsall on Saturday, August 8.



Young forward Devante Jacobs has been given an individual fitness programme to get him up to the level of his colleagues. The 18 year old, who made his first-team debut last season, will sign a full

professional contract after completing the programme.

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