Shooting for a top-six finish

Matt Palmer

ATHLETIC director Barry Owen is confident that manager John Sheridan will stick with the club this summer, and push them on towards the Sky Bet League One promotion places next season.

Sheridan’s superb achievement in rescuing Athletic from the threat of the drop following his return to SportsDirect.com Park in January has led to the popular former Republic of Ireland international being strongly linked with the hot seats at Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United.

With Athletic looking doomed, Sheridan performed a minor miracle is guiding the club to nine crucial wins and six draws in their last 22 games, meaning third-tier safety was guaranteed with a couple of games to spare.


Owen isn’t at all surprised to have read and heard all the recent speculation, but he is of the belief that Sheridan is in this for the long haul.

Speaking on a radio phone-in last night, Owen said: “One thing you learn in football is that you never say never.

“(The speculation) is inevitable, the job he did was remarkable, but the club has not received any firm or written offers from either of those clubs mentioned.

“I can understand why there’s the talk, and the chairman will consider the position the club will have to take, but we have already given Bolton the ‘hands off’ and I’d like to think we would do that with any other club.

“Ultimately, though, you do have to discuss a situation with the manager. John has a genuine love affair with Oldham, there’s no doubt about that.

“He likes the fans, he likes the club, and I genuinely believe that with John at the helm, and knowing the way he works and recruits, it’s feasible and even quite possible that next season we will get a top six place. I’m sure that will happen.

“In fact, I’m protecting John saying only top six. He’ll be after the top two.

“I think John’s aspiration will be the same as the board, and that is that we could make a very good fist of it in the Championship with him at the helm.

“There’s a good feeling about the place at present.”

Meanwhile, Athletic have officially released details of their first pre-season friendly fixture.

Sheridan’s men will host Championship side Huddersfield Town on Saturday, July 16 at SportsDirect.com Park (3pm kick off).

Admission prices have yet to be decided and will be released in due course.

FORMER Athletic loan star Matty Palmer has been offered a new deal by Burton Albion.

The tricky winger, who made 14 extremely impressive performances for Athletic towards the end of last term before before returning to the Pirelli Stadium, has been offered a new contract as his current three-year deal was set to expire next month.

ATHLETIC’S Sky Bet League One rivals Peterborough have appointed Grant McCann as their new manager on a permanent basis.

McCann was in caretaker charge for Posh following the sacking of Graham Westley on April 23 and led the side to two entertaining victories.