Let's get cracking!

Photo: Alan Howarth

Oldham Athletic 1 Rochdale 1. Connor Ripley mobbed as the fans invade the pitch at full time

IT'S full steam ahead on planning for next season after Athletic assured themselves of safety in Sky Bet League One, with manager John Sheridan again promising that he will be sticking around this time.

Peter Clarke, named by chairman Simon Corney as his joint player of the year alongside goalkeeper Connor Ripley, headed in the equaliser in a 1-1 home draw with Rochdale.

The point gained means Athletic can finish no lower than 20th.

Corney stated in his programme notes that a total of 14 players are so far contracted for next season.

And while conceding that Ripley will be heading back to Middlesbrough - though Athletic are "desperately trying" to get him back - Corney is confident that six-figure signing Aaron Amadi-Holloway will be among those who will develop in 2017-18.

"We managed to recruit better in January than pre-season and when Shez arrived we had in place that extra bit of quality that was lacking before," Corney wrote.

"Not many people know this, but we actually broke our transfer record (since I have been here) when signing Holloway from Fleetwood.

"It proved to be a worthwhile investment and I'm sure there will be a lot more to come from Aaron.

"What is just as exciting as having John here as manager next year (and beyond) is the fact that we have 14 players under contract for season 2017-18.

"Every one is a player that has performed so well from January and if we had to start next year with those players, we would be a very good side."

With one game left to play at AFC Wimbledon on Sunday (noon kick-off), at which Athletic will have 700 fans present, Sheridan will now sit down to work out which out-of-contract players to offer deals to next season having already compiled a list of targets outside of the club.

"We know the importance of staying in the division.

'POSITION'

"The chairman gave me the job again as he had the faith I could get them out of the position they were in.

"Luckily, it's worked out again. Things worked out as they did last season, but I am here now and I won't be going anywhere.

"I want to let people know I am here now to try to push us out of the division.

"We have the nucleus of a decent squad and now it's up to me as a manager to pick the people who will make us even stronger.

"I have to make decisions on who I am keeping and they are tough decisions, but purely for the sake of making us better."