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Delay hits Dowie’s attempts to bolster paper-thin squad

26/11/2003

THE latest delay to Latics' takeover saga is hampering Iain Dowie's squad-strengthening attempts ahead of the visit of Notts County on Saturday.

Dowie is still getting knockbacks from players concerned by uncertainty surrounding the club's finances while the anticipated return of Fulham centre-half Mark Hudson on loan is being held-up by a niggling injury.

Dowie said: "The takeover problems are not the new investors' fault but this can't go on forever."

"It's difficult enough keeping hold of my coaching staff, who have received offers from elsewhere. I'm still hopeful of bringing a couple of players in to bolster us, but things may not happen until late in the week."

Work permit problems are stalling a loan move for an unnamed Premiership striker while links with Manchester City striker Chris Shuker and Newcastle midfielder Bradley Orr remain unconfirmed.

County visit Boundary Park on the back of two straight league defeats and will be without suspended defender Tony Barras and midfielders Ian Baraclough and Darren Caskey.

Michael Brough also misses out with a knee injury.

For Latics, John Eyre is expected to shake off a back injury but fellow midfielder John Sheridan must serve the last of a three-game suspension.

Paul Murray (hamstring), Darren Sheridan (leg), Matty Appleby (hip), David Eyres (foot), Chris Killen (foot) are again all ruled out.

Dowie said: "It's seven games without a win for us - we know that - but we've had some good draws in that run and, in the light of the squad we have available, these players are battling well."