Kelly’s sights on make-or-break period

Photo: Darren Robinson

LIAM Kelly takes his side into battle against Bury tomorrow.

CAPTAIN Liam Kelly sees the current time as a do-or-die period in Athletic’s season as the team plays near-rivals in the table.

A win over out-of-form Bury at SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow would be a tonic for the

skipper to lead his side into battle at relegation-threatened Shrewsbury three days later.

Two weeks tomorrow 19th-placed Blackpool are the visitors, in another game Athletic manager John Sheridan needs to win to haul in rivals and start to climb the table.

Kelly offers no excuses for what has gone before. The 25 year old’s committed showings in midfield have offered some cheer for depressed supporters, who have had no home win to cheer since August.

With 21 games left, Athletic can’t afford to under-achieve any more. And nor can the players be fixated on the league table.

“It is going to be a massive spell for us, there is no doubt about that,” said Kelly. “Nobody is kidding themselves. All games are important, but when we are playing teams around us in such a short space of time, it is going to be a big period for us. We need to make sure we get the results we need in these next three games.”

Reported interest from Wigan hasn’t shifted Kelly’s focus but he, as much as anyone else, knows the need to replace recent lost quality in the shape of key departees Danny Philliskirk, Mark Yeates and Richie Wellens.

“Bringing in players will be a big benefit,” Kelly said. “Fresh faces can give us a fresh outlook. l don’t think any successful team has had five managers in a year, but it all comes down to the players. The manager isn’t on the pitch and players need to take responsibility for that.”