Latics fans eye play-off picture

Athletic chairman Simon Corney

THE Sky Bet Football League play-offs are currently in full swing and Athletic fans will have a keen eye on proceedings.

One potentially local away trip ­— to Accrington ­— went begging last night when John Coleman’s Stanley lost in the League Two semi-finals to AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons earned themselves a Wembley final place on Monday week against John Sheridan’s former side Plymouth after drawing 2-2 at the Wham Stadium, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The League One second legs begin tonight when Barnsley ­— with Tommy Wright still assisting caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom ­— head to Walsall guarding a 3-0 lead from the weekend’s first leg at Oakwell.

Bradford face an uphill battle tomorrow night as they go to Millwall having lost the first leg 3-1 at Valley Parade.

Meanwhile, Athletic director Barry Owen again confirmed that there is no sign of any imminent change of ownership at SportsDirect.com Park.

When asked in a radio phone-in whether owner and chairman Simon Corney had received any bids, or even any interest, Owen said: “There is absolutely nothing firm on the table at the moment.

“Simon has never had any qualms before about saying that the club is up for sale, but right now we’re looking at things much more positively.

“We’ve got a brand new stand, and different assets to the club that are going to take us forward.

“Someone would have to compete largely to take over Oldham, but as far as I’m concerned, and of course that goes for the chairman, there are no concrete offers.”