Latics boss attacks over job speculation

FRONT LINE CHALLENGE . . . Darren Kelly will select a two-pronged strike force for the visit of Peterborough tomorrow.

DARREN Kelly has confirmed he will field TWO strikers against Peterborough tomorrow as he fights to save his job at Athletic.

Talk concerning Kelly’s position is rife and indications are that his stint as boss — which has so far officially lasted for only 103 days and eight matches, could draw to a close soon.

The 36 year old says he is unaware of such talk. He attended a “meet the fans” evening last night with 70 supporters and answered questions from the floor.

“You just get on with it,” said Kelly, when asked about the speculation over his future.

“I have a job to do and it is news to me. I will continue to give 100 per cent and that is all I can do.

“We are only six league games into the season and so far things have been okay and could be better.

“I will continue to give my all.”

Two Sky Bet League One managers lost their jobs this week - Posh boss Dave Robertson and ex-Athletic manager Paul Dickov.

When quizzed over the pair, Kelly admitted that he, like every other manager, is forced to confront the

reality of what can be a precarious role.

“It’s sad, if I’m being honest,” added Kelly. “It is the industry at the minute and it is a results business. I get that and I think we are all looking over our shoulders. I’m under no illusions and don’t expect it to be plain sailing. We have an ambitious board, staff and players.

“It is important we go out and get three points against Peterborough and then move on from there.”

Kelly will put out an attack-minded line-up against Peterborough that is likely to feature Dominic Poleon following his midweek hat-trick for the reserves.

Left out last week, Poleon is back in the fold.: “There’s a line under it,” Kelly said of the Poleon issue. “We dealt with it and Dominic has responded. At the end of the day, you want your quality players in the squad and on the pitch.

“We need pace and power and Dominic has that.”