Clarke's call to front up

PETER CLARKE . . . key figure at the heart of defence

DEFENSIVE linchpin Peter Clarke has called on Athletic's players to smarten up when it comes to defending at set pieces, in order to help the team climb out of the bottom-four.

Two goals conceded against Bristol Rovers were the latest in a list of calamities that has seen four of the last five goals conceded originate from corners.

Boss Stephen Robinson has already expressed his deep frustration at the problem, ahead of Saturday's big derby clash with Rochdale at Spotland.

For his skipper Clarke, it comes down to each individual player's desire not to be beaten.

"It is not easy, defending at set pieces," said Clarke, who has missed only one game this season, the 5-4 home loss to Carlisle in the Checkatrade Trophy.

"But there is a certain amount of it that is down to mentality - not wanting to be beaten as an individual.

"There is also the physical part of it, again not wanting to be beaten to that ball or letting your man get the better of you.

"We need to eradicate it, soon. Then, it gives ourselves a really good opportunity to progress up the division and get to the league position we feel we deserve to be in."

Clarke, who remains one yellow card away from a one-match ban, says that Athletic's huge rebuilding job in the summer meant that it would always take some time for the squad to find its feet.

The former Huddersfield and Blackpool man (34) stressed that a run of positive results could very quickly see Athletic propelled up the Sky Bet League One table.

"Look back to the pre-season and anyone would still describe Oldham as a work in progress," he added.

"The manager was only in place in early July and 95-per-cent of recruitment was in July and then August when the season was underway.

"With the situation as it was in pre-season and where we are now, we are doing quite well.

"To bring in 20-odd players and think it would happen overnight is daft. It was always going to take time to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"We are still a work in progress, but with the players that the manager and his staff have brought in, I see a real opportunity to progress up the league.

"If we can get real consistency to our results, we could find ourselves in the top half or better.

"It is a very tight division this year. We believe we have the ability in the squad to move away from where we are at present."

FORMER Athletic midfielder James Wesolowski has signed for Guiseley.

The 29-year-old, who left Shrewsbury in the summer, had been linked with Lincoln City, but has now committed to the Vanarama National League club managed by his former team-mate Adam Lockwood.