Midfielder happy to stay put

ATHLETIC’S contract talks for next season have started — and one out-of-contract player has tied his colours to the mast as wanting to be part of a promotion push under John Sheridan.

Back in favour and in decent form, midfield star and Chronicle columnist Lee Croft says he wants the club to take up the option of giving him a further 12 months.

Croft (30) was part of the Athletic line-ups that gained a point at Fleetwood and beat both Southend and Crewe to ensure safety from relegation.

WHISTLE

After making a first start for six months in the Highbury Stadium draw, he has played from the first whistle in Athletic’s last four games.

In enjoying life under Sheridan, Croft hopes to remain at the club for what he believes will be a positive 2016-17.

“I definitely want to be here again next season,” Croft said. “And, as in the last four games, continue to play.

“I want to take the way my season has ended and carry it on into next season.

“My aim is to come back fit and raring to go. I really enjoy playing under the gaffer and I would be daft not to want it to carry on.”

The former Manchester City and Derby winger is one of 19 players currently under contract whose deals expire in the summer.

The club’s retained list is expected to be released next week.

Croft points to examples of Sheridan’s successful signings as proof that he is able to use his knowledge of the lower divisions to identify the right calibre of player.

“He seems to know what is needed at this level and what type of player to bring in,” he added.

“He has brought in really good quality this season that has helped us an awful lot and I am very optimistic that next season will be a really good one for the club.”

Sheridan aims to end the season on a high when facing Coventry on Sunday, with Athletic aiming to make it five straight home victories for the first time in seven years.

Athletic’s manager has missed out on the Sky Bet League One manager of the month prize for April, which went to Graham Alexander of Scunthorpe.

Curtis Main was also overlooked for the monthly player prize, which went to Will Grigg of Wigan.

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Coleman; Dummigan, Edmundson, Gerrard, Holmes-Dennis; Croft, Kelly, Dieng, Jones; Main, Forte. Subs (from): Cornell, Brown, Mills, B Wilson, J Wilson, Winchester, Poleon, Cassidy.