New signings must possess right mix

LEE CROFT: good character to have in the dressing room.

STRENGTH of character will play an important part in deciding which players are brought to Athletic this summer — as will the tendency to avoid injuries.

The first signing of the summer, Lee Croft, is set to play a major role on the right flank next season, as new boss Darren Kelly aims to produce an attractive and attacking style of play.

Croft — who told the Chronicle last week that signing a pre-contract agreement for a third spell at SportsDirect.com Park, felt like “coming home” — has played 34 times this season for St Johnstone.

The season before that he made 23 appearances after signing as a free agent in December. In the 2012-13 campaign for Athletic he missed only one match.

The ability to stay fit is paramount, argues Athletic’s assistant manager Dean Holden, who played alongside Croft for the club a decade ago. So too is the influence and impact of any new recruit inside the dressing room.

“It is important not only we get the right players in terms of their quality, but with a small squad we also want someone who is likely to be available to play every week,” Holden said. “From my point of view we want to bring in players who are good lads around the dressing room. Crofty has those qualities.

“He has done well in Scotland and coming back here, we hope he can carry on where he left off.”

With George Elokobi and Adam Lockwood still mulling over contract renewal offers, Athletic’s remaining priorities in the player market are for a commanding centre-back, a target man up front and a goalkeeper to rival young star Joel Coleman.



SHEFFIELD United have sacked Nigel Clough after the club missed out on Sky Bet League One promotion.

The Blades, who reached the semi–finals of the Capital One Cup, were beaten in the play–off semi–finals by Swindon and have been condemned to a fifth year in the third tier.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_