Brown’s red card to stand

CONNOR BROWN . . . the Athletic full-back, pictured reacting after being sent off against Bradford and inset, will serve a three-game ban.

ATHLETIC have failed to have Connor Brown’s red card overturned, increasing the need for additional defensive recruitment before the derby with Bury.

An FA Review panel considered the club’s written and video evidence after what was felt to be a harsh dismissal of the full-back at Bradford. But the judgment was that referee Ben Toner’s original decision should stand.

Brown was sent off for a tackle on Kyel Reid after 41 minutes. Athletic had been holding their own for new manager John Sheridan, but the reduction to 10 men forced his hand into making changes. Athletic went on to lose 1-0.

Athletic officials were disappointed by the verdict, which means Brown’s three-match ban will remain. The player will be out for crucial fixtures against Bury, Shrewsbury and Blackpool.

With Cameron Dummigan nursing a calf injury, the decision leaves Brian Wilson as the only fit out-and-out right back on manager Sheridan’s books.

Free agent Courtney Meppen-Walter has been training with the squad recently and could be a defensive option for Sheridan, who expects to make signings this week. The expiry of contracts of two players should create extra room in the budget.

Striker flop Ricardo Fuller has left after failing to impress in his stint with the club. Fuller (36) came on as a late substitute in ex-boss David Dunn’s final game in charge, against the Jamaica international’s former club, Millwall. That was his sole appearance for the first team since an unimpressive showing at Crewe in November.

Also now without a playing deal is full-back Richard Eckersley. The former Manchester United trainee picked up an ankle injury late last year in his sixth game for the club. Though Eckersley’s deal has elapsed, he continues to receive treatment at the club and might be handed a fresh offer once fit, in around four weeks.