Latics new boss hunt carries on

ATHLETIC'S new-look backroom team are in place ­- but the hunt continues for a new man at the helm.

Sean O'Driscoll has been confirmed as coming on board at SportsDirect.com Park as part of the coaching set-up and he is joined by Peter Shirtliff, who did what the club describe as a "tremendous" job assisting John Sheridan last season.

Also in is Lee Turnbull, formerly of Scunthorpe and Sheffield United, as chief scout.

And as well as welcoming the meagre remnants of last season's squad to pre-season fitness testing in Bolton today, the thoughts of that trio will be keenly focused on player recruitment.

At the same time, further discussions take place at board level over the new boss's identity.

Shefki Kuqi was interviewed last week, while other candidates are now thought to be in the fray, with O'Driscoll involved in a continuing interviews process.

One man who could be in the mix is Bristol City's first team coach John Pemberton, the Oldham-born former Chadderton FC player. Ex-Crystal Palace full-back Pemberton (51) served as O'Driscoll's assistant at Ashton Gate three years ago.

Whoever comes in to complement O'Driscoll, Shirtliff and Turnbull ­- the former two men haven't yet been given specific job titles by Athletic ­- will have the massive task of signing virtually a full starting XI for the start of the 2016-17 season.

Liam Kelly has completed a move to Leyton Orient, after the Chronicle revealed he had a medical at Brisbane Road, leaving Athletic without a captain.

Consistent midfielder Kelly, who signed for Athletic two years ago in the deal that saw Korey Smith leave for Bristol City, played 87 times for Athletic, scoring seven goals.

Linked with a move away back in January, he was the Chronicle's Star Man, players' player and fans' player of the season for 2015-16.

Kelly still had a year to run on his deal at SportsDirect.com Park, but he has dropped a division, as has forward Jonathan Forte who has linked up with Sheridan again after signing for Notts County on a free transfer.

Forte scored 18 goals for Athletic in 65 appearances over two seasons, but the 29-year-old will now concentrate on trying to get the Magpies up to League One next time out.

Also confirmed as gone is Dominic Poleon. The forward, who never really convinced in an Athletic shirt after joining in a cash deal from Leeds, has signed for AFC Wimbledon on a free transfer.

As it stands, Athletic are down to a remarkable five senior professionals with first-team experience on the books, though new arrivals are due soon.

CHRIS Taylor has signed a two-year contract at League One rivals Bolton Wanderers following his release from Blackburn Rovers.

FORMER Athletic goalkeeper Mark Oxley is set to join Southend.

Oxley (25), who played 43 times for Athletic on loan from Hull, is currently with Hibs.