Have belief - Sheridan

Photo: Alan Howarth

John Sheridan

MINDSET and belief could play a major role if Athletic are to make more great strides under John Sheridan next season.

Athletic looked doomed for the drop into Sky Bet League Two when Sheridan returned to SportsDirect.com Park in January following Stephen Robinson's ill-fated six months in charge.

However, the former Republic of Ireland international midfielder presided over a terrific second half of the 2016-17 campaign which saw Athletic escape from the relegation zone, with a game to spare.

There's some major competition lying in wait in League One again next term - including the likes of Blackburn, Bradford, Charlton, Portsmouth and Wigan - but Sheridan reckons his players will be capable of ruffling plenty more feathers.

"BUDGETS"

"You look on paper at who has the best squad and biggest budgets, but we proved it at the end of the season when we played Sheffield United, Bolton and Fleetwood," said the Athletic boss.

"Two of those went up, but there wasn't a massive difference.

"They had a bit better quality, but all we need to do is show what we have in my last two seasons.

"Be resolute, thinking we are not going to be beaten, believing we are going to win at home.

"Those are the little things that help you."

Meanwhile, the EFL has announced a commitment to invest an additional £3.5million into youth development over the next two seasons.

Funds made available through the 1% Youth Development Levy will see EFL clubs collectively receive an additional £1.75m in 2017-18 and the same again in 2018-19 following approval at the 2017 Summer Conference.

The investment will provide support across a number of key areas including medical screening, club scholarship schemes and enhanced training programmes, as well as a further incentive to give English and Welsh youngster opportunities in first teams.

The new commitment will provide -

* £720,000 (£10,000 per club) towards additional costs associated with operating scholarship schemes;

* A further £250,000 to EFL Futures taking the available fund to £1m per season;

* An additional £150,000 to increase heart screening of 14-year-olds registered at EFL Academies;

* £100,000 to put scholars on a fast-track refereeing course to help keep talent in the game;

* £200,000 to allow League Football Education (LFE) to deliver an enhanced life skills programme to scholars with a focus on gaming, financial management, well-being and media training;

* A further £288,000 towards the costs of staff training at clubs or taking players away for international experience.