LATICS SUFFER LATE SETBACK ON NEW STAND

Oldham forced to delay opening of North Stand but are set to sign defender Gunning after trial

OLDHAM Athletic’s new North Stand will not be ready for the start of the season.

The League One club were informed on Thursday that there is a delay to the connection for the new electricity supply.

Until the supply is complete, the final installations, testing and commissioning works cannot be done to enable the stand to be handed over and approved for public use.

It means the stand will not be open for the first three home matches – against Middlesbrough, Fleetwood and Shrewsbury – but the work could take even longer.

A large number of fans have already bought season tickets for the new stand and chairman Simon Corney admits it is frustrating.

“This is a huge blow to our launch programme and we are both disappointed and sorry that the wait for our new stand to be open is going to be just a little longer,” he said.

“We do hope that fans bear with us and can see that the end is in sight.

“We will accommodate all fans that have already purchased tickets for these games and arrangements for alternative seats will be advised shortly.”

On the pitch, Latics are expected to finally bolster their defence by signing trialist Gavin Gunning.

The 24-year-old has been a key part of Oldham’s preseason campaign, featuring in a number of their friendly matches. He is set to play again today when Darren Kelly’s side head to Carlisle and the manager is confident Gunning is now over the injury problems that kept him out for virtually all of last season after joining Birmingham from Dundee United in the summer.

“Gavin has come in and done all the minutes required so it will be great to have him in the changing room,” he said.

“We’ve made no secret that we want to sign the right defender and he has all the leadership qualities that you need.

“I’m expecting things to happen in the next few days and then it’s about gearing up towards the first competitive game of the season.”

Carlisle will be Oldham’s final pre-season fixture before the league campaign gets underway at Walsall next week, and Kelly hopes to field his strongest team.

“The team against Carlisle won’t be that far off the team I play against Walsall,” he added. “Nothing is set in stone but we’re at the stage now where we need to be finalising our plans.

“Quite a few of the players will get 90 minutes as we need to go into that first match focused and mentally fit for the game.

“We have a fully-fit squad, which is key, and Jake Cassidy will be back too.

“David Dunn had his first day training on Friday but he probably needs a few weeks until he’s match fit.

“It might only be a friendly but I think it will be tough against Carlisle. Keith Curle wants to make a real statement this year and I’m sure they’ll be doing all they can to defeat us.”

Gavin Gunning (right) has impressed while on trial with Oldham during pre-season