Oldham are set Monday deadline for rescue deal

Oldham Athletic's administrators have issued another reminder to prospective owners that the club could fold next Monday.

Administrators PKF have confirmed they are still in negotiations with would-be investors "who have the ability to rescue the football club".

The Latics went into administration in August and with the deadline looming no consortium has come forward with an offer to buy the club.

"A number of credible parties have come forward and are looking to complete the business plans upon which they will be basing their rescue strategies," administrator Jon Newell said. "We understand that these meetings have been conducted in a positive way and that significant progress is being made.

"In the absence of such financial commitment from one of the interested parties, the administrators will have no alternative but to close down the club on or shortly after 6 October."

Stockport County have dismissed speculation that the Oldham manager Iain Dowie is to become their new manager. Dowie and the former Stoke City manager Steve Cotterill have both been linked with the post but the club deny Dowie is to take over.

A Stockport spokesman said: "Iain Dowie has publicly said he does not want the job so the reports linking him with Stockport are inaccurate."