Robbo jolt

ATHLETIC boss Stephen Robinson has 'three or four' targets in mind, but can't do any business until the transfer embargo is lifted

ATHLETIC have been placed under a transfer embargo by the Football League.

The embargo, which is thought to relate to non-payment of bills to other clubs, is a blow ahead of what will be a crucial transfer window in January.

It means that until the arrears in question have been paid off by Athletic, the club will not be able to make any new signings.

Athletic and the Football League have chosen not to comment.

Earlier this week, Athletic manager Steve Robinson said that as it stood while he would "love to" add out-of-contract players to the squad before the window re-opens - centre-back Anthony Gerrard being a prime example - "finances dictate" that it will not be possible.

It is not the first time in recent years the club have been placed under embargo.

Including tonight's game at Port Vale (7.45pm kick-off), Athletic have eight fixtures left up until the turn of the year, including an FA Cup second-round tie at Lincoln City and a Checkatrade Trophy last-32 outing at Walsall.

There are only two home matches remaining up to the end of December, with Peterborough the visitors this weekend and Southend travelling to SportsDirect.com Park on Saturday, December 17, meaning there is little prospect of great revenues being generated through the turnstiles before the turn of 2017.

Robinson, speaking in his regular morning press conference ahead of tonight's Sky Bet League One clash, is simply planning on making changes to the squad when the window re-opens, with a striker a priority.

"It's clear what we need and we are looking in the top area of the pitch to maybe do something," he said. "It is not as easy as you click your fingers and everyone wants to come and sign for Oldham. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

'TARGETS'
"We have done work in the background and have three or four targets, but don't want to being 'squad players' in."

Focusing on tonight's match, Robinson is wary of the threat of forward Alex Jones in a Vale side with an fine home record.

Paul Green serves a one-match ban and is also struggling with a recurrence of a calf injury that requires a scan.

"It's a good game for us," Robinson said. "They have started the season well and are on a good run of results, but it's a big pitch and there will be big areas to play in.

"They have done well and have got some players who can change games and Alex Jones who has scored a lot of goals - so there, possibly, is the difference.

"We might shake the team up and freshen legs up. But we firmly believe we can go and get something from the game.

"Ousmane Fane gives us a defensive side to our game when we put him in and Carl Winchester is knocking on the door and was superb for the reserves last week.

"We have options and we intend to go as attacking as we can."

Vale midfielder Anthony Grant has been handed an additional five-game ban and fined £2,000 following his recent dismissal against Fleetwood.

Former Athletic loan player Grant was sent off for a second yellow card in the 89th minute by referee John Brooks in Vale's 2-1 home win on November 12 and went back on to the pitch to remonstrate with the official after the final whistle.

He served a one-game suspension when sitting out Saturday's defeat at Charlton, but will now be unavailable until the home game against Walsall on Boxing Day.

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin, Fane, Banks, Flynn; Ladapo, Mckay. Subs (from): Kettings, Wilson, Law, Reckord, Klok, Winchester, Croft, Osei, Erwin, Jahraldo-Martin.