Latics boss pleased to get ‘Shirty’

PETER SHIRTLIFF . . . new number two.

Athletic’s manager John Sheridan is more than happy with the credentials of his new number two, Peter Shirtliff.

Former colleagues at Hillsborough — Shirtliff was a no-nonsense centre-back in the Sheffield Wednesday side that lifted the League Cup in 1991, when Sheridan netted the winner against Manchester United - the pair haven’t crossed paths in a couple of years.

Shirtliff (54) is set to take to the dug-out for the first time at Shrewsbury on Tuesday night as assistant manager to Sheridan.

For Sheridan, getting a man of Shirtliff’s experience represents a coup, even though the appointment follows the breakdown of terms for original choice Kevin Russell.

“I am happy Shirty is coming and I know him well and what he is all about. He is experienced and has a good, calm demeanour about him — more so than me at times.

“He will give me that added experience and I know what to expect from him.

“He’s a good assistant manager who knows the game inside out and he did really well with Danny Wilson at Swindon. He will help us to become more organised and I’m chuffed to get him.”