Boss's bid for fresh faces

Michael Ngoo

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan will try to get players out in order to bring fresh blood in this week.

Assessing the situation after a 1-0 loss at Shrewsbury that featured three new signings Anthony Gerrard, Michael Ngoo and Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Sheridan feels his task of avoiding relegation is tougher than the one he faced a year ago.

A surfeit of right-backs - Brian Wilson, Josh Law, Cameron Dummigan and Ryan McLaughlin - all played at Greenhous Meadow in various roles, but a lack of left-footed players and a dominant force in midfield in an unbalanced squad are among the problems Athletic's new boss has to face ahead of tomorrow's packed-out home game against Peterborough (7.45pm kick-off).

"We were a bit stronger last year, player-wise," said Sheridan. "The loans came in and added to what I had quickly to get us results.

"Now, we need a couple of wins quickly. That would get us a bit of belief and confidence we have a good chance of staying in this division.

"I would love a player like Matty Palmer and we need a player like him.

"We need left-footers as well. That is what my thought process is and if I can get those players, hopefully it will help us.

"I have had a chat with one or two and they know if they can find a club they will be able to go.

"I have been honest with them and told them I have other things in mind so I'm hoping I can sort it out this week."

Gerrard has signed for two-and-a-half years, Ngoo to the end of the season and Amadi-Holloway on a permanent basis from Fleetwood.

Supporters have so far picked up more than 3,000 free tickets for tomorrow's Peterborough game.