Latics aiming to name new manager in days

FRANKIE BUNN . . . the former Latics striker knows the inner workings of the club

ATHLETIC could have their new manager in place as soon as the start of next week as the race to take on the reins from John Sheridan hots up.

Club officials are keen to get their new man installed as quickly as possible, with the start of pre-season training only four weeks away.

And all signs point towards the ideal candidate being a figure who, like Sheridan, has some knowledge of the club's inner workings.

It is also understood to be unlikely that Athletic will again appoint someone with no previous relevant experience.

Mindful of those stipulations, the current top two in the betting market appear to be in the running.

In behind favourite Frank Bunn, who has extensive experience and success in the academy ranks, is Warren Feeney.

And the 35-year-old ­- a former striker with Athletic in the 2010-11 season ­- is thought to be attracting serious consideration for the top job.

Ex-Northern Ireland international striker Feeney stepped into Sheridan's shoes at Newport County in January of this year. He had been Sheridan's assistant.

Feeney's management career started at Linfield, where he finished as runner-up to Crusaders in his first season in charge in the Irish Premiership.

As manager of Newport, Feeney won six out of his first 11 league games, but then suffered an and-of-season slump, losing eight of the last 10.

Feeney issued a lukewarm rebuttal when asked about the Athletic job this week.

"I've got a squad to build here and I'm concentrating on Newport County at this moment in time," he told the South Wales Argus.

ATHLETIC'S youth team have three pre-season friendlies lined up, following on from their upcoming two-week training camp in Portugal.

A trip to Wythenshawe Town on Saturday, July 23 (11am kick-off) is followed by an away-day at Sunderland three days later (12.30pm), with Huddersfield Town arriving at Chapel Road on Saturday, July 30 (11am).

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