On the Hunt for Rob

ROB HUNT . . . the defender made 10 appearances for Athletic last season before injury cut short his stay

ATHLETIC could turn to Rob Hunt again, in a bid to solve the vexed left-back role.

The Brighton defender enjoyed a successful loan spell this season before it was cut short by a groin injury that required surgery.

Hunt (21) was signed by John Sheridan on a half-season loan and the full-back, equally at home on the right or left side of defence, showed he has plenty of energy and quality in his 10 appearances - half of which ended in Athletic victories.

Linked with a summer switch to Leeds, Sheridan admits he would be interested in Hunt should he be made available on loan again.

However, the ball remains in Brighton's court on that front. Hunt has a deal that runs to June, 2018 at the newly-promoted Premier League club.

"Rob did well and loved it here and that's another position I am looking to fill," said Sheridan, who released left-back duo Jamie Reckord and Charles Dunne at the end of the campaign.

"We need a left-back and he did excellently there for us.

"He is at a club now, though.

"I would like a left-back in place and whoever I sign, it doesn't automatically mean they are playing.

"A naturally left-sided player would suit us, as we are quite short on left-footed players."

Athletic's crop of five players who have been offered fresh deals for next season have been given a deadline of tomorrow to decide if they want to stay on at SportsDirect.com Park.

Sheridan says he is hopeful the majority of that list - including Brian Wilson, Paul Green and Tope Obadeyi - will sign.

Talks continue with potential new players, but the search for a replacement goalkeeper could take some time to conclude, Athletic's manager hinted.

It is possible that Sheridan will look to go down the loan route that worked wonders last term for both Connor Ripley himself and Athletic.

"If it's the right goalkeeper, it won't be a problem to sign him if I think we can afford him," added Sheridan. "But if it has to be a loan, it worked out well regarding Connor Ripley.

"Loans can sometimes help us financially, as long as that player comes in and he is playing."

Athletic have been installed as one of the three 6-4 favourites to go down next season by the bookmakers.

Blackpool, back in Sky Bet League One for 2017-18 thanks to their play-off final win over Exeter, are the same price, as are Shrewsbury.

Blackburn are favourites for the title (7-1), followed by League two champions Portsmouth (8-1).