More work to be done

JOHN SHERIDAN . . . Goalkeeper decision

THREE further signings are on boss John Sheridan's agenda, four friendlies and under three weeks to go to the start of the new season.

Athletic travel to Curzon Ashton tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off) on the back of a 1-1 draw in a behind-closed-doors clash at Swindon that kept the unbeaten pre-season run going.

Aaron Amadi-Holloway opened the scoring for Athletic, before Ellis Iandolo levelled after the interval in a game Swindon boss David Flitcroft said was played with "a real vigour and a real intensity".

Bailey Peacock-Farrell played in that game and Sheridan faces a decision on whether or not to sign the Leeds goalkeeper on loan, which would effectively make him the new number one for next season.

Athletic will also need to bring in a new number two goalkeeper, with last season's understudy Chris Kettings having turned down the chance to stay on.

Having signed left-back Rob Hunt late last week - he is set for a run-out at the Tameside Stadium tomorrow - Sheridan is also looking for another attacking option and, ideally, another player who can operate at the base of midfield.

"There is the goalkeeper situation we will sort out and we have Rob coming in," said Sheridan, who handed 90-minute run-outs to Ollie Banks, Peter Clarke, Anthony Gerrard and Ryan McLaughlin at the County Ground.

"There is room for a striker or attack-minded player to come in and possibly, I would like a good defensive midfielder when I am looking at things and what we need at this time."

Though Hunt didn't sign in time to take part in Athletic's four-day stay in Bath last week, Sheridan is clearly delighted to be from today working again with a player who reportedly caught the eye of Championship clubs as a result of his performances on loan for Athletic last season.

"He's a good player and a good lad who wants to come to Oldham," Sheridan said. "He loved it when he was here last time and he did well.

"He will be a good player for us.

"I'm chuffed we've got him, especially getting him on a permanent deal.

"Full credit to the chairman for sorting the deal out. He will only make us better and stronger because he's an excellent young player."

SEAN O'Driscoll, who spent time as a coaching consultant working with former manager Stephen Robinson last season, has joined Championship club Wolves where he will work with the academy.