Sheridan vows to stay put

Photo: Darren Robinson

John Sheridan

JOHN Sheridan was unequivocal about his desire to stick around this time with Athletic, declaring: "You can have my word that I will not be moving anywhere."

The 52-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club, taking over from Stephen Robinson after turning down the advances of a rival Sky Bet League One club, thought to be Northampton.

And he explained the factors behind his leaving for Notts County at the end of last season, stressing his understanding at the fact that fans felt shocked at his departure for a club in League Two.

"My main thing last year was keeping the team up," said Sheridan, who triumphed in his first outing back at the helm as Athletic beat Gillingham 1-0.

'REASONS'

"I know some fans were disgruntled and my reasons for leaving were down to a couple of things. One, I got a very good offer from another club.

"Two, a lot of the players who did really well last season and who I wanted to try to keep were not going to stay and I felt that was going to be a big problem.

"And I felt that after doing such a good job keeping them up, could I really do any more?

"I felt by leaving I would give someone an opportunity to rebuild. And I didn't want to fail.

"The fans with me last season were unbelievable and I don't want to patronise them.

"Money has never motivated me. All I want to do is be successful.

"I got a good offer - and Oldham did well out of me leaving."