Latics aim to spoil Bolton's big party

HOPEFUL: Athletic's manager John Sheridan

BOLTON winning promotion back to the Championship would put a smile on John Sheridan's face - as long as they don't secure the prize tomorrow.

A former Wanderers midfielder of distinction, who played an important role in their rise to the Premier League in 1997, claiming the Championship title with 98 points, Sheridan retains an affection for his former club.

If Fleetwood and Bradford both fail to win today, Phil Parkinson's side will go up alongside Sheffield United should they see off Athletic at SportsDirect.com Park (12.30pm kick-off).

However, given Athletic's concerns at the other end of the division, Sheridan wants the party to be postponed for a couple of days, before Bolton host Bury.

"Deep down, I want Bolton to get promoted," Sheridan said. "It is an ex-club of mine and I loved it when I was there. It was one of the best dressing rooms I have been in and we won the Championship when I was there. I had a really good time.

"I was there for two years and loved every minute of it.

"After tomorrow's game, I want them to go up. But, 100-per-cent, I want us to beat them.

"They have a good manager and assistant (Steve Parkin), who are two lads I like and who did an excellent job at Bradford. They know this division inside out.

"It will be a really tough game for us, but they will have watched us and will know we are a really hard team to play against.

"It will be a great atmosphere and after competing really well with sides near the top - Fleetwood, Millwall, Bradford and Sheffield United - I hope we can do the same tomorrow."

Chris Taylor can't play tomorrow, but Sheridan says he won't rely on the insider knowledge of the on-loan Bolton player for clues.

"Chris is not available, so hopefully whoever plays instead comes in and fills that void," he added.

"I wouldn't ask him anything. I know enough about their team and players to feed my team information."

Athletic will have their work cut out to breach a Bolton back line that had kept three straight clean sheets before last week's 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe. While the likes of Connor Ripley and Peter Clarke have starred in Athletic's own impressive rearguard effort this season - only three goals conceded in home matches against sides in the current top six - Sheridan prefers to emphasise the collective efforts of his side.

Should safety be assured before the last-day trip to AFC Wimbledon, Sheridan hinted that there may be a chance for more fringe players to impress, including teenage defender Jamie Stott. "If the opportunity comes to give him some game-time, I will do that," Sheridan said.