Robbo stands defiant

ATHLETIC boss Stephen Robinson barks out the orders during yesterday's clash against Port Vale PICTURES by ALAN HOWARTH

ATHLETIC manager Stephen Robinson has no intention of quitting his role and hopes to be able to make changes to the squad soon.

Robinson was left pleased by his side's efforts but again frustrated in the attempts to make the breakthrough in yesterday's home draw with Port Vale, as Athletic remain bottom of the Sky Bet League One table.

"I am certainly not walking away from it, I know that," Robinson said, when asked about his future. "I took on a massive job. I have had criticism, deservedly sometimes and undeservedly and ridiculously on occasions.

"It is a difficult job but the players are giving me everything. I don't intend walking away. That will be for other people to make that decision."

Yesterday's stalemate was the last game for loan duo Freddie Ladapo and Cameron Burgess as they head back to Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway is set to make a loan switch from Fleetwood, reprising the role he took up to such good effect last year.

But no deals can be completed until the transfer embargo is lifted, with the hope being that this will happen this week ahead of next Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy tie at Mansfield.

'EMBARGO'
"We will hopefully be able to do some bits and pieces before (the Mansfield game) but at the moment, I only know I have the squad that I have. I have no idea when the embargo is being lifted.

"I will work with what I have been given and try to turn this place around."

Robinson was left proud of his team yesterday and feels that there isn't too much wrong.

"I am not sure what more we have to do. Actually I am - put the ball into the back of the net," he added.

"To a man my team, including the subs, gave me everything. And they have done in the last three games, absolutely running themselves into the ground.

"Peter Clarke said afterwards it was a pleasure to be part of that team. We are a horrible side to play against when we play like that. We are aggressive and energetic and could not be any more attacking with the side we put out - yet still we haven't had a slice of fortune.

"It is clear for everyone to see that if we had someone who could score goals, we would not be in the position we are in.

'FORTUNES'
"Fortunes have got to change. We are playing well, creating chances, putting bodies on the line and running further than every other team we play.

Carl Winchester had Athletic's best chance but along with Billy Mckay, whose shot was pushed against a post in added time, could not find a way past Vale goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

"I would have loved to see Carl score," Robinson said. "He's a super boy and I love him to bits. He promised me he would come over and give me a kiss when he did score.

"Credit their goalkeeper. He has pulled off two world-class saves. But we haven't been able to put our chances away when we should have done."