Latics push for answers

TOPE OBADEYI . . . offered new Athletic contract

PLAYERS offered contract renewals for next season with Athletic will be given to the end of this month to sign new deals, as talks take place with potential new recruits.

A list of five players, headed by first-team regulars Brian Wilson, Paul Green and Tope Obadeyi, have been told they have until Wednesday, May 31, to put pen to paper on contract extensions.

Reserve goalkeeper Chris Kettings and young defender George Edmundson are in the same position.

"We are still waiting for answers from some of the offers we have already made," Athletic's chief executive Mark Moisley said.

"The manager will has a list of targets and he will be speaking with two or three players over the next week or so."

FRIENDLIES

Back-to-back home friendlies will see in Athletic start to the season, as club officials finalise a summer schedule.

Opponents have yet to be revealed, but the club are looking to host pre-season games at SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday, July 25 and then four days later on Saturday, July 29.

The new Sky Bet League One season then begins on Saturday, August 5. Fixtures for the new campaign are due to be released on Wednesday, June 21.

John Sheridan's side have been pencilled in to play seven friendlies in total, including two while away at a summer camp.

The first away date is Saturday, July 8, with the squad get-together at an as-yet unspecified location taking place the following week.

After that, Athletic will again be on the road for an away game on Tuesday, July 18, with another road trip on Saturday, July 22.

By the time Sheridan's side are down to play on home turf, the newly renovated playing surface will hopefully be in ideal condition.

"A lot of work has been put in by the ground staff into the renovation," said Mark Moisley.

"We have been pleased to see some rain recently which has helped the growing conditions."

Athletic recently partnered with grounds maintenance company ALS Contracts to oversee first-team and training pitches at the club.

Sheridan, who has spoken of a need to make some alterations to the training arrangements for the coming campaign, is expected to move squad sessions back to Chapel Road from Little Wembley.

MILLWALL forward Aiden O'Brien defended the club's fans who were criticised for running on to the pitch to celebrate their Sky Bet League One play-off final win against Bradford.

O'Brien appeared overwhelmed by Millwall's victory after striker Steve Morison had struck the only goal with five minutes remaining.

Lions fans poured on to the Wembley turf at the final whistle, with some goading Bradford boss Stuart McCall and his players, while match-winner Morison said they had "ruined" the moment in his post-match television interview.

But O'Brien, who progressed through the London club's academy, refused to join in the condemnation.

"No, they have the right to do that you know," he said.

"They've been supporting us all through the season. They should celebrate as much as we celebrate.

"It's a team thing and they're part of the team. They can run on the pitch in my eyes for all they want, they deserve to."

Millwall's victory means that 22 of Athletic's 23 opponents for next season are now known, with the final place decided by the League Two play-off final between Exeter and Blackpool on Sunday.