Liam vital to Kelly’s plans

MAIN MAN: Liam Kelly

DARREN Kelly is working towards Liam Kelly being in Athletic’s midfield next season, confirming the decision to retain him as captain.

The 25 year old has been the subject of speculation that Barnsley — coached by his former boss and team-mate Lee Johnson — would make a swoop even though Kelly still has two years on his Oldham contract to go.

But for Darren Kelly there is no more important player at the club - and there haven’t yet been any bids. As a captain and leader, he is massive in terms of what I want to do this season.”

The manager, who took charge of his first pre-season session on grass at Chapel Road yesterday, has already been impressed by his skipper, whom he wants to act as a go-between for the players and coaching staff.

“Liam has led by example,” Kelly added. “He has been excellent. I regard the relationship between the manager and the captain as very important. He can carry information out on the pitch - he’s the link between the changing room and the manager’s office. When I was the captain at my previous clubs, I always held that responsibility. Togetherness in the changing room is vital and I don’t want anything hindering or distracting from that.”

Athletic currently has four trialists in with the squad for training: two centre-backs, a midfielder and a striker.

At this stage, Kelly is reluctant to name them, but will give them plenty of scope to catch his eye.

Kelly has been impressed by his squad during the first week of training: “They have shown fantastic desire and commitment already, and the attitude is first-class,” he added. “It couldn’t have gone any better.”