Robinson's players looking to step it up

RYAN FLYNN . . . working hard to build up fitness levels

ATHLETIC set off for AFC Fylde tomorrow hoping to make it third time lucky.

Behind both Huddersfield and Preston in terms of pre-season preparations, Stephen Robinson's side have lost twice so far in SportsDirect.com Park friendlies.

With the squad only two more players away from being full after a period of intense activity, manager Stephen Robinson will now hope to start seeing his side develop on the pitch against the ambitious non-leaguers of Vanarama National League North.

Robinson feels his team have already made progress, with a squad containing not only plenty of size and steel but also some subtlety.

"Fans can see there is 100-per-cent being given after we have only been in the door for a short space of time. From where it was then to where it is now is a massive step," Robinson said.

"It is alright being big, but you need the mentality to be aggressive as well. Marc Klok isn't the biggest, but he is aggressive and physical.

"The height also helps from set plays. We have not worked on any set play or dead ball situation yet which was apparent against Preston.

"It is something we will work on now. You have to get a squad together first.

"People will look at us and you can scare people in the tunnel before you even go out onto the pitch.

"But we have players like Ryan Flynn as well, who will only get better with more fitness, Carl Winchester and Lee Croft - players who can play good football."

HARRY Beautyman, who played for Athletic as a trialist against Preston, has signed for Northampton from Peterborough for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.