Mossley can concentrate on football


22/02/08

MOSSLEY, after averting a financial crisis, travel to another troubled club in division one north of the UniBond League tomorrow.

Opponents Bradford Park Avenue sacked full-time manager Benny Phillips, a former Mossley player and manager, this week even though they are in the play-off places.

Phillips and two of his assistants left following an emergency board meeting, which was called after the team picked up only one point from their last three matches.

Multi-millionaire owner Bob Blackburn says it is vital Avenue, five points off top spot with a game in hand, are promoted as champions rather than endure the lottery of the play-offs.

Goalkeeping coach Carl Lenaghan is in charge for the visit of mid-table Mossley.

The Lilywhites' mood has been raised with the appointment of new chairman Steve Astley.

Manager Gerry Quinn said: “The spirit is a lot better, and the financial problems and the future of the club are not the main topic of conversation anymore.

“Things have settled down which means we can concentrate on the football, and there are no excuses.”

There is also positive news on the injury front as Mossley, who have picked up just two points from a possible 21, look to regain the winning thread.

Dave Boardman, Dean Johnson and Paul Quinn are fit again, while striker Gareth Hamlet is back from the Caribbean after a family bereavement.

source http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/