Fans over-Joyed, says Latics chief

FACING THE PRESS . . . Neil Joy (left, standing) and returning Athletic manager John Sheridan.

ATHLETIC chief executive Neil Joy is overjoyed with the return of John Sheridan as manager, an appointment he believes will drag disaffected fans back onside.

Since the news of Sheridan's appointment on Wednesday, tickets for tomorrow's tough-looking Sky Bet League One test at Bradford have been almost flying out of the Latics ticket office.

Asked specifically if he thought Sheridan's signing was a “bums on seats” capture, Joy said: "I think it is. It's what the club needs. It offers a great opportunity for us to draw a line under what undoubtedly has been a very difficult year for the club.

"We've had delays to the new stand and the poor league position, but with John here as manager now and the stand open, of course, it's effectively a new start. It's a great appointment that will galvanise the whole club.

"Fans will realise we've made the right appointment. John is the man we need for the scrap to move us up the league table as soon as possible. Every fan out there now has a reason to get behind us."

Sheridan has been promised money towards squad strengthening before the end of the month, and there appears to be no immediate necessity to ship players out to help balance the books.

Joy added: "That's not the plan; it never has been, to be fair. John is the manager now, but he'll need a little time to assess the squad. There’s still time to do that before the transfer window closes.”