Branston offered a new contract

Last updated : 05 May 2006 By The Chairman
Guy Branston becomes the first player to be offered a new contract as the season draws to a disappointing close. Described by Latics manager Ronnie Moore as “a nutcase at times” he still feels that the dependable defender has a part to play in next seasons challenge for promotion.

Moore said, “He's somebody I would like to keep at the club. Guy has his weaknesses, just as we all do, but I know him very well and they are outweighed by his strengths. He can be a nutcase at times and can rub people up the wrong way. He can seem arrogant if you don't know how to take him. But he's a strong character, he shows backbone, and underneath that big, tough exterior there's a soft spot. We gave him the captaincy a few weeks ago so he would show responsibility and be nice to people around the club. He has quietened down on the field and it's no coincidence that when we lost our two biggest games of the season (McFranchise and Barnsley), he wasn't in the side."

"If we got rid of Guy there could be a problem because Will Haining has missed so many games and I think Chris Swailes will be finished if he doesn't get through pre-season. It's so frustrating for Swailesy because he has had very few injuries down the years, but if the heel problem is still there it will probably be time for a chat in the office which tells him enough is enough.”