Eyres signs a new contract

David Eyres has signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him at Boundary Park until the end of next season. Eyres has hit 12 goals this term, including a purple patch of nine in the last two months, and his new deal is an early birthday present.


The former Blackpool, Burnley and Preston winger – recruited on a free
transfer in October 2000 – will be 38 a week on Tuesday. Eyres could soon face a battle with £2 million-rated Cristian Colusso, another flair player who operates on the left-hand side. Colusso is gaining sharpness after his loan move from Rosario Central in Argentina’s premier league.


For now, Athletic hope to name the same line-up which enjoyed successive 2-0 wins against Notts County and Brighton. Midfield playmaker John Sheridan is recovering well from a knee injury after resting throughout the week. The ex-Eire international is left to write his own schedule as Athletic know he sometimes needs to be wrapped in cotton wool.


Mick Wadsworth says, “Sheridan is like the quarter-back in American Football – he dictates the pattern of his team’s play. In the unlikely event of Sheridan being ruled out, club captain Lee Duxbury will slot into central midfield. Colusso is set to be on the bench along with Allan Smart, who has struggled to dislodge Carlo Corazzin and David Reeves up front.”