Shez is going flat out for survival

FULLY COMMITTED . . . Athletic manager John Sheridan is full of hope tht he will be giving his players the thumbs-up after tomorrow’s home match against Gillingham.

SEVENTEEN cup finals await Athletic as manager John Sheridan warns there will be absolutely no let-up between now and the end of the season.

Tomorrow's home game against Gillingham (3pm kick-off) is the third of seven fixtures in 22 days, which Athletic head into on the back of three unbeaten matches and five points.

Athletic must urgently improve a miserable home record – one league win all season – to get out of trouble. Sheridan is targeting eight more wins from the 17, to take Athletic to 50 points.

“It’s going to be very tight,” said Sheridan, whose return has so far brought one win, two draws and two defeats.

“I was hoping to have another two or three more points, probably more, to be in the mix and looking at being sixth or seventh from bottom.

“We can look at the sides we think we could catch, but you can only do that by winning. We have to work our socks off and we know that. Every game will be like a cup final.

“The players couldn’t give me much more. They are doing everything I ask for. Some will be disappointed if they don’t play tomorrow, or if they do play and we win and I leave them out on Tuesday.

“I have to look at the teams we are playing. Gillingham is different to Wigan and Blackpool.

“We have to be on the front foot and get the ball into the box to make them defend.”

Sheridan has been cheered by news Anthony Gerrard’s knee injury isn’t as bad as it appeared. He could even be in contention to play tomorrow.

“It’s really good news,” Sheridan said. “It’s nothing serious, but we would rather he miss one or two than eight or nine. We have to make sure he’s right, but he hopefully he has a good chance of playing tomorrow.”