Bunn's 'intense' approach suits Gardner

Athletic midfielder Dan Gardner (left)

Midfielder Dan Gardner has found a stark difference to Athletic’s pre-season programme this time as opposed to 12 months ago just after he had signed for the Boundary Park club from Chesterfield.

Gardner, aged 28, scored in Athletic’s second straight pre-season win on Saturday – a 2-0 outcome at National League North neighbours Curzon Ashton.

That followed a 3-1 verdict at Ashton United in midweek.

Gardner, who made a total of 49 appearances for Athletic last term, has been impressed with new boss Frankie Bunn’s approach so far, but it’s been hard work.

Gardner said: “It’s very different to last year.

“It is a lot more intense and the gaffer is putting across what he wants from us, which is hard work and things like that.

“Obviously we want to play football as well, so with both combined then we will be a good team this season.”

The Curzon victory capped a hugely satisfactory afternoon all round for Gardner, who is contracted for another season at Boundary Park.

He added: “It was very hard with the heat but it is a great pitch and the surface is great to play on.

“It was good to get 90 minutes and I’m feeling good.

“It was quite hard coming up to the last 15 minutes.

“I was feeling it but that was probably due to the heat as well but it was a good game to play in.

“They were a decent team that tried to play out from the back so it put it on us to try and work around them and press them high so it turned out to be a good game for us.”

Frankie Bunn's team are in action again tomorrow night (Tuesday) as they head to Broadhurst Park in Moston to take on FC United (7.45pm kick-off).

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