Agent slammed over Hiwat exit

RYAN Hiwat will not become an Athletic player following his unexpected exit for Championship outfit Wolves.

The 19-year-old forward spent last week on trial, impressing manager Darren Kelly. But after not being used at Carlisle, the former Sparta Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven junior has opted to try the Championship - earning his agent a rebuke from Athletic's  board.

“We are extremely angry at the conduct of the player's agent in this matter,” said director Barry Owen.

Last week Hiwat turned out for Athletic in the second half of the friendly at Halifax a day after reporting for training and showed flashes of skill and pace. But at Carlisle, Kelly opted to keep Hiwat out while giving second-half run-outs to Dominic Poleon, Rhys Murphy, George Green and Danny Philliskirk.

For Hiwat the chance to move to a higher level was too tempting to turn down. He started a trial with Wolves yesterday.

Kelly admitted his regret at the loss: “I’m disappointed, but the thing with agents is that sometimes they can be disruptive. I know Ryan enjoyed his time here, but that chapter is closed and we move on.”

PlayerShare will not bear the costs of Hiwat's trial.

Meanwhile Kelly has given his verdict on new loan defender Jonathan Burn, who has signed from Middlesbrough until January 1.

“Jonathan is a young defender with bags of potential and I'm looking forward to working with him,” Kelly said, of a player who was Boro's under-21s captain last season.

As for Gavin Gunning, who remains on trial at the club, the Chronicle understands a final decision will be made soon. His leadership qualities have impressed, but the ex-Birmingham man still appears short of full match fitness.