Wellens aiming to 'get the balance right'

After yesterday’s exciting re-capture of striker Jose Baxter, Athletic manager Richie Wellens has revealed more about his summer rebuilding plans.

Baxter signed a one-year contract – with an option of a further 12 months – after spending last season with Everton.

That’s clearly a marquee capture to get the Boundary Park pre-season wheeling and dealing under way, but now Wellens needs to be wary as he starts to look at a range of potential options.

“We’ll probably be keeping the majority of the squad, mainly because clubs won’t come in for players who’ve been relegated,” said Wellens, who is gearing up for life in League Two next term of course.

“I’m looking at any players, and there are a lot of National League players out there who are capable of stepping up.

“The problem with National League players that do well is that they cost a lot of money so I have to look around for players who are available, maybe out of contract, because I’m not in a position to pay transfer fees.

“Obviously we want to go up next season, so I also want to get players in I believe are capable of playing in League One.

“It’s about getting the balance right.

“We’re working to a budget so there will have to be players leaving before we get some players in.

“I’ve been in for the last seven or eight days trying to get players out, but it’s still a little bit early.

“There’s clubs out there with no manager.

“Hopefully things will settle down over the next week or so and managers will be returning to work.

“If players are going to leave, I want them to leave as soon as possible so that it gives me more time to replace them.”

Meanwhile, Athletic have announced details of a number of away pre-season friendly fixtures.

Wellens' men will travel to Hurst Cross to face National League North side Ashton United on Tuesday, July 10 (7.45pm kick off) in the first warm-up fixture of the summer.

On Saturday, July 14, Athletic will take a side to the Tameside Stadium to face Curzon Ashton, while an Oldham Athletic XI will face Evo-Stik North side Radcliffe FC at Stainton Park - both will kick off at 3pm.

To round off the pre-season schedule, Athletic will take on National League North side FC United of Manchester at Broadhurst Park on Saturday, July 28 (3pm kick off).

Pre-season schedule so far:

Tuesday, July 10 (7.45pm KO) - Hurst Cross
Ashton United vs. Oldham Athletic

Saturday, July 14 (3pm KO) - Tameside Stadium
Curzon Ashton vs. Oldham Athletic

Saturday, July 14 (3pm KO) - Stainton Park
Radcliffe FC vs. Oldham Athletic XI

Saturday, July 28 (3pm KO) - Broadhurst Park
FC United of Manchester vs. Oldham Athletic

News of Boundary Park pre-season friendlies will be released in due course.