STANLEY defender Jonathan Smith was being tracked by Second Division Oldham Athletic - but any deal could be thrown into doubt with the departure of Latics manager Andy Ritchie.

The tall centre half, who has found the back of the net five times this season, had been offered a trial at Boundary Park recently.

"They wanted to take him on trial but we have a club rule that no one can go on trial," said manager John Coleman.

"I've been on trial at a league club and I think to be fair to the player and his club, if they are interested, then they should take them on contract, then the player is secure and they know where they stand

"Jonathan was obviously flattered and he has been okay with it. He understands the situation. We'll have to see if anything happens now."

Any deal could be thrown into chaos after Ritchie became the 21st managerial casualty yesterday.

"I don't know which of the Oldham management team was watching him so I don't know if they are still interested," added Coleman.

Meanwhile, Stanley are chasing Clitheroe captain Barry Hart.

The 24-year-old defender is a key part of Lee Sculpher's side at Shawbridge but the opportunity to move up two divisions from the North West Counties first division to the UniBond Premier could be too tempting to resist.

The left-back has already turned down moves to UniBond First Division side Chorley this season and was this week in talks with Rossendale United about a possible move to Dark Lane, also in the UniBond First Division.

But Hart looks set to accept the opportunity Stanley boss has offered to join the Crown Ground club who have Conference aspirations.

"He is someone we have had a look at and would be interested in taking," said Coleman.

Hart, a former trainee with Oldham Athletic, has played in the UniBond Premier Division before with Radcliffe Borough around four seasons ago.

It didn't work out for Hart then and he moved to Clitheroe where he has been one of the stars of the team which finished runners-up in Division One last season and are hoping to clinch promotion to the UniBond League this time out,

But Coleman thinks Hart will be more equipped to make the step up this time out.

"He will be older and wiser now and only time will tell," continued Coleman.

"Watch this space!"