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Swindon Town's Jon Obika

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan is drawing up his plans for next season and heading his list of priorities will be a new goalkeeper and extra options on the wing and up front, writes MATT CHAMBERS.

A total of six players were released by Athletic last week, while a further five went back to their parent clubs after their loans expired.

New contracts have been offered to Brian Wilson, Chris Kettings, Paul Green, Tope Obadeyi and George Edmundson.

Speculation will inevitably follow on which players Sheridan will be targeting.

Here, we look at some out-of-contract players who are potentially recruits for Athletic from within Sky Bet League One, as Sheridan tries to put together a squad capable of playing more on the front foot in order to push towards the play-offs in 2017-18.

Goalkeeper: Thorsten Stuckmann (Chesterfield)

The German isn't in the first flush of youth at 36 years old, but the former Preston player did cover well for injured Tommy Lee at Chesterfield in the latter part of the season and is regarded as a penalty-saving expert, stopping three during the Spireites' relegation campaign.

Left-back: Bob Harris (Bristol Rovers)

Spent some of this season on trial with Athletic before heading off to sign a short-term deal with Bristol Rovers. The Scot has extensive experience at this level and is a former Sheffield United team-mate of Ryan Flynn's.

Left-back: Daniel Jones (Chesterfield)

Now 30 years old, it is nearly nine years since he joined Athletic on loan from Wolves to work under Sheridan and since then, the attack-minded defender has spent time with Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale before being released by Chesterfield following their relegation.

Midfielder: Dan Gardner (Chesterfield)

The Spireites playmaker has been offered a new deal at the Proact Stadium to continue in League Two, but might be open to remaining at Athletic's level. A talented player, the 27-year-old could provide extra creativity in Athletic's midfield.

Winger: Shaun Whalley (Shrewsbury)

Hasn't always been an automatic choice for Shrewsbury, but Athletic's League One rivals have offered the out-of-contract winger a new deal. As a player who hugs the touchline to provide crosses, the ex-Southport and Luton man might be seen as a useful option.

Winger: Brad Inman (Peterborough)

The Australian proved himself adept at this level with Crewe and scored 10 goals for the Alex in their relegation season. The move to Posh last summer didn't work out - he only played 12 times after breaking a leg in pre-season - but Sheridan could be tempted to make a move.

Winger/Striker: Matt Done (Sheffield United)

The former Rochdale man is in his prime at the age of 28 and is a proven performer at League One level, either out wide or as a striker. Done is transfer-listed rather being available on a free, but Sheridan could look to strike a deal with the League One champions.

Striker: Jon Obika (Swindon)

The Tottenham prospect has lightning pace and has a wealth of experience at League One level, where his fleet of foot has often worried Athletic. The 26-year-old scored six goals last season and 12 the previous year. He could be offered a contract to stay with the relegated Robins in League Two.

Striker: Marc McNulty (Sheffield United)

The 24-year-old Scot started the season on loan at Bradford before being recalled to Bramall Lane in January. While he only managed one goal in 21 appearances in 2016-17, his past record is decent. The former Portsmouth man has hit double figures in every season bar this one since 2011.

Striker: Dean Bowditch (MK Dons)

It may well be that Bowditch (30), scorer of 48 goals for the Dons across 227 appearances, is out of Athletic's price range. He is looking for a new challenge and with his clever movement and eye for goal, there could at least be a gentle enquiry from Sheridan.