Back to the future

JOHN SHERIDAN

ATHLETIC are going back to basics when pre-season training gets under way - by moving the day-to-day pitch work back to Chapel Road.

Manager John Sheridan, who is continuing to work on deals to bring new players to the club, says that he feels it is more appropriate to have the players train on a venue away from SportsDirect.com Park, rather than use Little Wembley as a base in the manner of previous boss Stephen Robinson.

It is part of a series of changes Sheridan has made to recreate more familiar surroundings of his previous tenures in charge.

That included, as soon as he returned for a second time in two years back in January, reverting back to the old 'home' changing room. Athletic's players had been preparing for games within the larger, previously 'away' designated room, under Robinson's watch.

"Going back to Chapel Road is just part of just the way I work and what I am comfortable with," Sheridan said.

"It's like the changing rooms. I changed them round straight away as soon as I came in.

"Little things can help you and make you more comfortable, but it is more what we are used to. I just prefer it at Chapel Road.

"There are decisions that are just personal to me. For some reason, it seems to work."

Athletic's players return to training at the start of next month, with the first pre-season friendly scheduled for Saturday, July 8, at Stalybridge Celtic.

Athletic are also down to play at Curzon Ashton on Tuesday, July 18, with another away test at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, July 22.

Sheridan said that he might opt to try out a few triallists across the summer as he bids to ready his men for the season-opener in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, August 5.

"I don't mind looking at players, if someone has given me someone to look at," added Sheridan.

"I've done it a few times in management when someone has come in and impressed me."

Meanwhile, Athletic's longest-serving player, Brian Wilson, has penned a new one-year contract extension.

The versatile defender, who joined the club in 2014, has made 85 league appearances for the club so far, scoring two goals.

ATHLETIC right-back Ryan McLaughlin is in the Northern Ireland squad for tonight's home friendly with New Zealand at Windsor Park (7.45pm kick-off).

FORMER Athletic defender Alan Williams has passed away at the age of 78.

The father of Gary Williams, who played for the club in the 1980s, Alan made a total of 172 appearances for Athletic between 1961 and 1965, scoring nine times.

After battling with dementia, Alan's funeral took place at South Bristol Crematorium and was followed by a wake at Bristol City FC.