Eyres on his way out?

Last updated : 01 June 2005 By Dave Moore

David Eyres could be on his way out of Boundary Park after contract talks. Eyres, the player who scooped all the ‘player of the year’ awards, is disappointed by the reduced terms in his offer and is considering offers from other clubs. The 41 years young player appeared 52 times for Athletic, a feat that was not equalled by any other player at the Latics.

Ronnie Moore considers that his age will restrict his appearances next term although there was no evidence of him slowing down last season. Still the most popular player on and off the field, sales of his shirt name outnumber all the other players, and Eyres was hoping to take up a coaching role at Boundary Park after making 749 senior appearances and scoring 160 goals in the process.

Managing director Simon Corney suggested that the evergreen player could still earn the same amount as last season if he manages to make as many appearances. The signing of Paul Edwards could have knocked a few more nails into his coffin and that could be the reason why he has been offered a pay-as-you-play deal.

The club are still losing money and need to cut the cloth to suit but Edwards will put pressure on Eyres, a pressure that has been absent of late. This competition means that David will not be guaranteed a start as he has been in the past. Football is cut-throat and there is no room for sentiment but in Eyres’ case, if he does leave, I hope that he gets a testimonial as a send off.