Forte staying – and with a big role, insists boss

Photo: Picture by ALAN HOWARTH.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . Athletic boss Darren Kelly has plenty to consider during Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat against Blackburn.

JONATHAN Forte has a big part to play in Athletic’s season, according to manager Darren Kelly.

The 29 year old saw a move to Barnsley fall through at a late stage after a deal had been agreed between the clubs. In the end the transfer collapsed over what is believed to be an injury-related clause the Tykes had wanted to incorporate into the personal terms.

Illness prevented last season’s 15-goal top scorer from featuring in the Blackburn friendly on Saturday. Though the board had sanctioned Forte’s move, Kelly wants him available to add pace to Athletic’s forward line.

When asked if he expected Forte to remain with Athletic, Kelly emphasised he sees the former Sheffield United, Scunthorpe and Southampton man as part of the team: “Absolutely,” he added. “He will be with the club. He has been working hard in training so come August 8 at Walsall, I expect Jonathan to be in the squad. He is a big part of what we are trying to do and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Athletic take on Halifax at The Shay tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off) still without summer signing Jake Cassidy. The former Wolves striker was due back in full training today and is expected to feature in the final friendly outing at Carlisle on Saturday. The same is true of Brian Wilson and Dominic Poleon, both absent from the Rovers defeat with injuries.

Athletic again struggled to test the visitors’ defence at SportsDirect.com without Forte, Poleon and Cassidy at Kelly’s disposal, and the manager wants to see more from his side in the final third.

“Overall, we didn’t create a lot of chances against Blackburn and also Bolton,” he said. “They were solid, good teams and we have to try to break them down. There is still work to do.”

One player linked with Athletic over the weekend was 19-year-old PSV winger Ryan Hiwat, with a report suggesting he is heading to the club on trial and will feature in tomorrow’s game.