Young defender happy to extend Latics stay

ATHLETIC’S new potential star Jonathan Burn is open to stay at the club for longer than six months.

Burn (20) was rock-solid in keeping a second clean sheet at Colchester and appears to be enjoying his first spell of senior action.

The Middlesbrough man, on youth loan until January 1, is keeping out the far more experienced Gavin Gunning. With Burn’s help,, Athletic have played more than four hours of football without letting in a goal.

“It was a tough battle at Colchester, but we should have taken three points,” he said. “We just need to be a bit more inventive at the top end.

“It is going well here for me and I feel I am fitting in well with the lads.

“Hopefully, they can extend the loan and I can help the team progress. It is all good experience for me.”


The news comes amid rising speculation that a former player could land the club a large cash windfall.


Former defender James Tarkowski — now rated at a reported £5million — continues to be linked with a move away from Brentford.

Celtic are the latest club said to be looking at the 22 year old, who has also been attracting interest from Southampton. Having turned down a £4m offer from Fulham, Brentford have also dealt with enquiries from Burnley and Norwich.

If he does move, Athletic will get a cash windfall thanks to a clause in his move to Griffin Park in January last year.



Athletic will take a close look at captain Liam Kelly’s injury this morning. The midfield man came off in the second half at Colchester after sustaining an injury, though as yet there is no indication of its seriousness.

Former Sheffield United, Watford and Bradford winger Mark Yeates started a trial with Athletic this morning. The Irish winger is a free agent, having left Valley Parade in the summer.