Kelly sets lofty targets to win over fans

Photo: -ANTHONY MILLER

STANDING TALL: new Athletic manager Darren Kelly says he “fears nothing” in Sky Bet League One.

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ATHLETIC’S new manager Darren Kelly is aiming for the stars next season - and “fears nothing” in Sky Bet League One.

And the 35 year old from Derry says doubts expressed by fans will only spur him on to make his first top job a “roaring success”.

Kelly, who has signed a two-year contract, today started formulating a plan for next season alongside his newly-appoointed assistant Dean Holden. The former Carlisle and York man is also putting the wheels in motion for a meet-the-manager event.

Ultimately, though, he accepts that results are what matters. In targeting a strong start to next term, he is confident smart work in the player market this summer can push the club towards better things.

“I have to prove to a lot of people that I am capable of being successful in the job — because it is their football club,” he said.

“At the end of the day, people don’t know me. And that excites and motivates me, because then I can go out and prove what I am worth and results will dictate that. It is a very big job here. It is getting a team around me who will buy into my philosophy and what I want to do.

“I have watched a lot of League One and I fear nothing. There is a good side here and with a couple of little additions, there is no reason why we can’t go to the top.”

York-based Kelly spent thousands bringing himself up to UEFA Pro Licence standard as a coach and says he has been preparing for this opportunity for years.

“I am a bit of a football geek. I have methods I think only I can implement and along with Dean Holden I will work very hard to do that on the training ground.

“I am trying to think outside the box. I went to a lot of League One games this season, including quite a lot of Oldham games, and I know what is required to get out of this division. I have a belief in myself.”

One of the first decisions Kelly will need to sign off is Athletic’s retained list for next term and expects to lean on Holden’s deep knowledge of the current dressing room.

“We will work very closely together and while I will make the decisions, Dean knows the players inside out,” Kelly added. “To go in one direction, we have to pull together.”



Anthony Gerrard is among the players released by Huddersfield Town. The centre-back played six times on loan for Athletic this season — during which time the side conceded only four goals. He has already declared himself open to a permanent move to Oldham..

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_