Kelly closing in on top targets

CONFIDENT Athletic boss Darren Kelly hopes he will land primary targets in the next couple of weeks — and that they will be better players than those that rivals are splashing the cash on.

A commanding centre-back and a dominant centre-forward lie at the top of Athletic’s wanted list and with feelers having been put out to agents, responses are now being sought.

Kelly stressed that the club were not involved in what was said to be a six-club chase for ex-Port Vale striker Tom Pope, who yesterday joined ambitious Bury on a three-year deal.

“He is not a player I have shown an interest in,” said the manager.

And the Northern Irishman again emphasised both the quality he feels is inherent in his existing set of players and his belief he will be able to land additions who will have a strong effect in Sky Bet League One.

“We are looking at quite a few options and I have chatted to a few agents,” Kelly added.

“Everything is looking good and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will have a couple more tied up. Our key is to get the right personnel.

SPECIFIC

“We are looking at specific areas and the first priority is a centre-back and a centre-forward with a difference, if you like.”

The rookie boss also warned that high-profile players are not necessarily the best fit for Athletic.

Kelly said: “Certain players may be a ‘name’, but I have to ask, ‘will they be right for the team?’.

“I believe the ones I have targeted are better than some of the big names elsewhere.

“And a big key for us is that they have to be able to gel with what we have already got.

“We want to be able to move together as a team and it isn’t necessarily all about individuals.

“I am on the phone with agents non-stop and am very positive in the work that we are doing.”

ATHLETIC are unseeded in the first-round draw for the Capital One Cup, which takes place next Tuesday at 10am.

In a regionalised draw, Kelly’s men will face an opponent from the northern half of the 36 seeded sides, comprising the whole of the Championship and the top 12 from last year’s League One table.

Athletic, who have exited at the opening stage to Championship opponents Derby and Middlesbrough in the past two seasons, could potentially meet Hull City or Burnley, both relegated from the Premier League last term.

First-round ties will be played on the week commencing Monday, August 10, following the opening weekend of the Football League season.

LOOK out for Athletic’s full fixtures list in the Chronicle on release day, Wednesday, June 17.