New faces on horizon

MICHAEL NGOO

ATHLETIC are expecting to add to the squad with several new faces this week, handing John Sheridan a major boost ahead of the relegation battle at Shrewsbury.

Centre-back Anthony Gerrard, Fleetwood striker Aaron Amadi-Holloway and tall forward Michael Ngoo are among those set to come into the squad, with the club's registration embargo expected to be lifted today.

Marc Klok has left Athletic after his contract expired. Sheridan said that he came close to adding to a depleted squad before the victory over Gillingham.

"A couple of deals didn't go through (on Friday). I had my team in mind, but unfortunately it went through too late and I had to change it," said Sheridan, who will be assisted by Ian Baraclough and goalkeeping coach Carlo Nash until at least the end of the season.

"We will have three, possibly four players in this week.

"We need them. We are a bit short and we need to add to what we have got to make us stronger.

"There are a lot of games coming up and I want us to be winning games as quickly as we can."

Shrewsbury's 1-0 win over Bradford leaves them three points clear of second-bottom Athletic ahead of the weekend clash at Greenhous Meadow.

That game will be the first in which Sheridan is back in the dug-out - he has now served the final game of a touchline ban - and he admits to similarities from his previous arrival at the club a year ago.

"Everything is working out similar - even the teams we are playing, Gillingham and Shrewsbury and Bradford who we play soon, which was my first game," he added.

"It is funny how it has worked out. I do hope we can sort it out as quickly as we can to get ourselves into a position where we are playing with confidence and with that belief we are going to win games."

Sheridan also says the club's fans can play a major part in the battle against the drop.

"There was relief that we got that result," he added, after Josh Law's goal handed the club three points against the Gills. "The players being cheered and clapped off the field for a change is a massive plus for me.

"Even though it's only the first game, I want to build from here, get more supporters in the ground and get back to what it has been here."