Life after Latics . . . The story so far

RHYS MURPHY

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THE new-look squad assembled by Stephen Robinson continues to develop on and off the field as the second month of the new season begins.

But should Athletic be left regretting letting go any of the 15 players - plus youth team goalkeeper Chris Renshaw - who made exits at the end of 2015-16?

Here, we take a look at how each of those players has been getting on since leaving the club.

Liam Kelly (Orient): Athletic's former skipper started on the bench, but has since been a regular in the first-team at his League Two club. Kelly has also scored in his last two league outings for the O's.

George Sessions, Archant London: "He has settled well into life at Orient and is already having a big impact on and off the pitch after being named vice-captain. After starting the league campaign on the bench, he has established himself as a first-team regular and his performances have been very impressive. He looks to be a great additional for the O's."

Jordan Bove (Mossley): Made his debut for Mossley as a substitute in the home game against Tadcaster Albion at the weekend and also came on two days later against Droylsden.

Joel Coleman (Huddersfield): Left in exchange for an undisclosed fee and featured in pre-season, though he is currently behind Danny Ward in the pecking order at the surprise Championship pacesetters.

David Cornell (Northampton): Moved to Sixfields after his release and was on the bench for his return to Athletic with the Cobblers. Made his debut on Tuesday in a 3-0 home loss to Wycombe in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Timothee Dieng (Bradford): The French holding midfielder or centre-back made two appearances off the bench before enjoying a full debut against Athletic at Valley Parade. Scored in midweek against Stoke's under-23s.

Simon Parker, Telegraph and Argus: "He did very well in pre-season after joining the club initially on trial. But he then missed three games through injury before starting against Oldham."

Jack Truelove: The young left-back signed for Curzon Ashton in the summer following his release by Athletic, having had a number of non-league loan spells.

Jonathan Forte (Notts County): Yet to get off the mark while working under John Sheridan once again. Forte has been partnered up front by Jon Stead at the League Two outfit.

'COME CLOSE'

Leigh Curtis, Nottingham Post: "He's done okay so far. He is yet to score his first goal, but has come close on a couple of occasions."

Anthony Gerrard (unattached): Has not yet found himself a club despite doing so much to get Athletic out of trouble last season. Believes he is well capable of playing in the Championship.

Mike Jones (Carlisle): Hit a last-minute equaliser for the Cumbrians at Derby last week, preceding an epic shoot-out which the Rams won 14-13, and did well against Athletic on Tuesday in the Cumbrians' 5-4 win.

Jon Colman, Cumbrian Newspapers: "Jones has started very well and is making a good impression. He has clearly added some know-how to Carlisle's midfield and fans have been impressed by his industry and quality. He scored a great last-second equaliser against Derby in the EFL Cup. Very positive signs so far."

Joseph Mills (Perth Glory): The full-back has been involved in the A-League side's pre-season friendlies as he settles in to his new surroundings in Western Australia.

Rhys Murphy (Forest Green): Scored his first goal for the Conference club in a 2-1 home win over York two weeks ago, past ex-Athletic goalkeeper Luke Simpson, and followed up with two more at Maidstone.

Rob Iles, Gloucestershire Echo: "He arrived with high expectations and struggled to make an impact in his first few games, not helped by a foot injury, but showed determination to slide in with his first goal for the club against York."

Dominic Poleon (AFC Wimbledon): Scored twice against Swansea's under-23s in a 3-0 win on Tuesday. before that, all four league showings have been from the bench.

Tim Ashton, Wimbledon Guardian: "Dominic has struggled to get into the Dons' first XI. It has been a tough start to life in League One for the club and he is one of many players coming to terms with playing in a team not used to facing this level of opposition."

Chris Renshaw (Everton): The teenager joined fellow goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg at the Premier League club this summer and is seen as a highly promising talent for the future.

Rhys Turner (Morcambe): Has made four substitute appearances and one start for the Shrimpers so far this season and will hope to get regular game-time in League Two this term.

Theo Vassell (Walsall): Made a free transfer switch to the Banks's Stadium and has since been loaned out to Chester, where the defender has started six games, scoring once.

James Wilson (Sheffield United): Had a difficult start to life at Bramall Lane. The defender has started seven matches for the well-fancied Blades and has been on the losing side four times, conceding 10 goals. However, he netted the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Oxford at the weekend to get the Blades up and running.