Search for a striker

JOHN SHERIDAN . . . relaxed

JOHN Sheridan has another attacker on his shopping list, after securing the signing of his protege Craig Davies.

Athletic's manager expects to tie up a new contract for Tope Obadeyi in the coming days and in the hunt for more goals in 2017-18, is seeking one more option either up front or out wide.

As it stands, returning ex-Chesterfield man Davies is joined in the squad returning for pre-season training later this week by Aaron Amadi-Holloway and Darius Osei plus first-year professional Mason Fawns.

Another forward, plus a left-back and two goalkeepers, is what Sheridan wants and the manager is relaxed about how things are coming together.

"Darius will have an important pre-season working with me and there is a lot more to come from Tope," said Sheridan.

"It's also about keeping Aaron fit. There is pace and aggression up there now and the thing we need is goals.

"I'll be looking at attacking areas as a lack of goals was a big problem for us.

"Two goalkeepers are a priority and a left-back as well, plus another attack-minded player - possibly a winger or striker.

"I am not someone who panics. You want your squad in place when you go into pre-season, but we have the nucleus of it.

"I am working on a goalkeeper and I'm confident I will get the right one and also a number two.

"The chairman (Simon Corney) has been good and when I've asked for something, he has helped. There is not far to go.

"With three or four more players, I feel we have the nucleus of a strong squad."

Sheridan expects to appoint a new assistant soon, with the players back in on Thursday for pre-season training.

"We will come in and do a little bit of testing and we will ease into the Monday, when it really starts," Sheridan added.

"But we are in from Thursday and we will be working the players then and doing everything properly."

Athletic's first pre-season match is at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, July 8.

DETAILS for the Carabao Cup first round tie at home to Burton Albion have been released.

The game will be played on Wednesday, August 9 (7.45pm kick-off) and ticket prices have been set at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under-12s.

All admission is via payment at the turnstiles on the night.