Numbers game for Kelly

New deal for Connor Brown

ATHLETIC are aiming to add a further “three or four” first-team players to the squad over the course of the summer.

Manager Darren Kelly indicated that he may well go down the route of using the loan market to fetch in youngsters of promise from Premier League academies in order to boost his options.

A move in that direction means Kelly will be forced to craft a side that is keen to play on the deck.

“If we can get three or four players, that would be the hope,” Kelly told the Chronicle. “It is a case of managing the situations.

“With a couple of contacts in Premier League clubs, there are potential loan signings I have seen who I know all about and who can come in and do a very good job.

“There are a lot out there. If clubs at the top see that players are developing in a framework where you are trying to play good football, you will get the players.

“Lump it from back to front and Manchester United lend you a midfielder, where is his development there?

“Justify why you want that player and how you can develop him, they will be happy for you to have them.”

With some Sky Bet League One clubs have playing budgets that dwarf Athletic’s, Kelly knows he must use every penny wisely in order to add key individuals to a settled squad.

“Oldham’s is one of the lesser budgets,” Kelly added. “I have spoken to a lot of agents and there is big money we can’t compete with.

“That is why the money we have, we want to be careful with. We want players who can fit into the team but at the right price.

“Teams like Bury and Cambridge seem to be putting the money in and that is fine. Let them crack on with it.

“We will focus on what we are trying to do and get on with it.”

While the search for new talent goes on, one of last season’s regulars, Connor Brown, has signed a new two-year deal to stay at SportsDirect.com Park.

The Chronicle reported last month that the defender had agreed terms and was ready to put pen to paper.

ROCHDALE have signed Lewis Alessandra on a two-year contract.

The ex-Athletic forward (26) scored 13 goals last season while playing under John Sheridan at Plymouth in League Two, helping the club to reach the play-offs.

TRUST Oldham are holding an annual general meeting at LaticsZone on Monday, June 22 (7pm start).