Bunn on Gerrard sacking - 'no player is bigger than the club'

Athletic manager Frankie Bunn agrees with club owner Abdallah Lemsagam that 'no player is going to be bigger than the club' following the sacking of Anthony Gerrard.

After the Chronicle initially reported that defender and former club captain Gerrard had been dismissed on July 30, the club finally confirmed the situation today (Thursday).

The club statement was released barely an hour after Carlisle United announced that they had signed 32-year-old Gerrard on a half-season deal.

The Athletic statement read: "Oldham Athletic can confirm the club have terminated the contract of Anthony Gerrard.

"His contract was terminated for gross misconduct arising from certain social media posts which brought the club into disrepute.

"In accordance with Anthony Gerrard’s contract and Football League procedure, he had 14 days to appeal the decision, no appeal was lodged.

"As a result his contract with the club has now ended."

Minutes after the sacking news broke, Bunn was asked about it at his pre-Forest Green match press conference.

“It’s football, everyone moves on," said the Athletic boss.

“There are different times in a player’s career when he has to move on, and that’s come for Anthony.

“We wish him all the best in the future and hope it all works out for him.

“We try and deal with everything in-house.

“Our problems are our problems and we’ll deal with them.

“It’s all about the club ultimately.

“Abdallah (club owner Lemsagam) has also said that no player is going to be bigger than the club, and that’s the way it should be.”

Meanwhile, Bunn revealed that there may be some permanent transfer dealings ahead of today's 5pm deadline.

“We never say no," Bunn added. 

"We might be looking at one or two things, but we’ll keep that to ourselves for now.”

Athletic travel to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday after losing their opening League Two game of the season at home against MK Dons last weekend.

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