Solid base in place

John Sheridan

ATHLETIC have already avoided one of the major pitfalls of 12 months ago, according to one of the chief architects seeking to get off to a better start next time around.

John Sheridan left Athletic a year ago this week to go to Notts County - a switch that brought about a power vacuum at the club, with virtually no players or coaching staff on board until Stephen Robinson came in as boss in early July.

Ahead of next season, Sheridan's return and the fact he is this time sticking around has brought a new stability. A total of 11 players are already signed up and a host of offers are out to others, with the manager talking to a potential three new recruits this week.

Reflecting on the season just gone, chief executive Mark Moisley admitted that Sheridan's return in January saw him take on a bigger rescue mission than he had the previous year.

And he pointed to key figures being recruited in the transfer market as being vital in helping the club finish in 17th.

"It was a tough season and one of two halves," Moisley said. "There were a lot of similarities to the season before, not least the manager who came in to rescue us.

"As everyone knows, we got off to a difficult start. We were in a position when Stephen Robinson came in where we didn't have the players in place and he had to recruit a lot of players quickly.

"SUCCESS"

"It was done with a reasonable amount of success. A lot of players brought in at that time did well for us, but you are not going to get them all right, clearly.

"We didn't have a lot of luck and we got into a position in January where we weren't getting results and having been in the bottom two or three all season felt a change had to be made.

"Shez was available and he came back in to what I personally felt was a tougher task than the previous season. The lack of goals was a real problem, but we recruited well in January and the players we brought in made a significant difference for us.

"Aaron Holloway was a big investment for us, we know about the experience he brings and it was a real shame that Rob Hunt picked up his injury when he did.

"Aiden O'Neill did well particularly early on and Chris Taylor and Tope Obadeyi did a job for us too."

Athletic are waiting to hear back from five current players offered new contracts and are this week talking to potential new recruits.

"Clearly, we need to strengthen the squad and thankfully, we have a bigger nucleus this time to build on," Moisley said.

"SYSTEM"

"There will be players brought in and we will look again to use the loan system which has worked well for us.

"We will also be bringing in new additions. We released six players, so we need to bring in players to replace those.

"Shez has identified some players and is speaking to three targets. He has half a dozen positions and the key ones are clearly a goalkeeper and up front.

"We didn't score enough last season, though our goals against record was among the best in the league."