Lemsagam eyes talks with caretaker boss Wild - report

Athletic's interim boss Pete Wild is reportedly set to meet with club owner Abdallah Lemsagam to discuss the possibility of being given the manager's job permanently following the monumental win against Fulham.

Sunday's huge FA Cup third round upset saw caretaker manager Wild retain his 100-per-cent record in charge of Athletic since stepping into the role after Frankie Bunn was dismissed on Boxing Day.

Following the cup shock at Craven Cottage, Lemsagam is said to be keen on placing 33-year old Wild in charge on a permanent basis.

“I’m going to have a talk with him and we will take the best decision for the club,” Lemsagam told the Daily Mail.

“If he’s ready to take charge of the team in the fourth round (at Doncaster Rovers), we’re ready for it – he’s already shown anything is possible.”

The special victory has created a buzz for people around the town, including the Athletic owner himself.

“This is one of my best moments in football, of course,” he said.

Lemsagam described it as “something special” and that it makes up for the tough financial running of the club.

“It’s cost me a lot more than I thought to run the club – but this makes up for everything," continued the owner.

“The last year has been more than tough, but when you win a game like that, it’s not about money.

“Pride does not buy you money.”

The emphatic win at Fulham goes down with other famous Athletic victories in recent years, which have included the giant-killings of Liverpool and Everton.

However, the team’s fortune has reversed slightly this week after the return of midfielder Jordan Lyden (pictured above (right) in action at Fulham) to his parent club.

Athletic have confirmed the 22-year old was recalled by Aston Villa, after a four-month loan spell at Boundary Park.

Lyden made 14 appearances for Athletic, netting once in a 3-1 home win against Cambridge United in November.

The youngster played 761 minutes in total and was part of Sunday’s FA Cup team that dramatically knocked out Fulham.

His departure comes at a bad time for Athletic, who have limited options up front following top-scorer Sam Surridge’s exit yesterday.

The promising striker was recalled early by Bournemouth after spending five months in the North West.

Last week’s release of frontman Ishmael Miller completes the selection issues for temporary boss Wild.

Athletic's next game comes against Forest Green Rovers at home on Saturday, with a potential win for Wild’s men helping the club to push further towards the League Two play-off places.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.