Chairman Corney has faith in Robbo

STEPHEN ROBINSON . . . working hard to lift Athletic's fortunes

ATHLETIC chairman Simon Corney has complete faith in the boss Stephen Robinson, someone he believes will go on to enjoy a successful career in charge.

The Sky Bet League One table doesn't lie - Athletic are still in the drop zone - as a lack of goals has been a major concern for fans of late, but Corney is confident that performances like the ones at Scunthorpe and Port Vale in the past few days will eventually be rewarded with more points on the board.

Corney said: "I feel tremendously for Stephen because we have come so close on so many occasions.

"What happened in the first half at Scunthorpe is a story we've seen so many times this season. Against Northampton, Walsall, we could have won those games.

'SITUATION'
"If we'd be sat on six or eight more points, the situation wouldn't even be discussed, but that's football.

"We've never had a harder-working manager, the players are working hard too, but it's just not been going for us.

"If anyone can't see that, then I don't know what they're looking at.

"We haven't scored enough goals, but we will address that. We'll try to bring in the players we want.

"It's not all bad, though. It really isn't, we have to remember that."

Corney can see the Northern Irishman going on to make a big impact in management, arguably in the same vein as Lee Johnson, a rookie boss who was also given a chance at SportsDirect.com Park and is now flying high in the Championship in charge of Bristol City.

"I believe in Stephen, and I believe in the coaching team we have put together," added Corney.

"I think Stephen will have a very good career as a manager.

"People forget that it's his first time as a full-time manager, but we have no divine right to be top of the table.

"It might take six months, a year, or maybe two, to learn League One and the way it works, but he will get it right."

Don't forget there is a fans' forum event next Tuesday where supporters can pose their questions to manager Robinson, captain Peter Clarke and chief executive Mark Moisley.

The event, in conjunction with Trust Oldham, takes place between 7pm and 9pm.

The forum will take place in the Oldham Event Centre and it is free to attend, but supporters must register for a ticket beforehand.

TICKETS

Supporters will have the option to buy food during the night on a first come, first served basis.

To book tickets, contact the event centre team via email or call 0161 785 5185.