Groundhog Day!

WELCOME HOME . . . John Sheridan addresses the press during his first press conference after returning to Athletic

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SOMEONE quipped as the press conference got under way that it felt 'Groundhog Day'.

There we were, the assembled media in the boardroom inside the spanking new North Stand, awaiting sight of Athletic's 'Messiah mark II' - John Sheridan.

It had all happened so quickly, but here he was, Stephen Robinson's immediately-installed replacement was back in the same hot seat, fielding very similar questions, exactly a year to the day since 'Shez' replaced David Dunn in what then was already his second stint as permanent manager.

I had been tipped the wink a few hours before the 'unveiling' that the Athletic officials wanted to try and keep it reasonably low key.

I understood that, given the circumstances leading to Sheridan's second departure in the summer and what had gone on since, but there was a healthy turnout of telly, radio and newspaper staff.

Once Sheridan did enter the room he appeared a little apprehensive, but that didn't last long.

Most football people know he's no shrinking violet - never was during a distinguished playing career and he certainly hasn't been since taking up management well over a decade ago now.

He spoke confidently and reasonably, his strong Mancunian accent as engaging as ever.

EXPLAINED

To his great credit he explained why he left Athletic in the summer - and they all sounded convincing enough - and of course he spoke of his undoubted affinity to Athletic and to the fans.

Sheridan acknowledged his return wasn't greeted by every member of Athletic's faithful, but he insisted he'll get the club away from danger.

"I'm a good manager, and I wouldn't have come back if I didn't think I could get the team out of trouble," said Shez.

I wish him all the very best - again!