Playing it their own way

Athletic are set to play it their own way as they bid to bounce straight back into Sky Bet League One at the first time of asking this season.

It's been a tough few months at Boundary Park following the traumatic final-day relegation in May.

Ahead of their first fourth tier campaign in decades, manager Richie Wellens was sacked, and has since been replaced in the hot seat by Frankie Bunn.

There has been plenty of movement in and out on the squad front since Bunn took over, and early signs on the field are positive.

Athletic have also won their opening three pre-season friendly fixtures - albeit against non-league sides Ashton United, Curzon Ashton and FC United of Manchester.

Bunn reckons his new-look squad will be ready for a more positive campaign come the League Two opener at home against MK Dons on August 4, though it will be far from easy.

“I watched a few League Two games last season and there are a couple of teams that try to play," said Bunn.

“The majority, though, are about playing for seconds, distances, playing in the opposition’s half, and delivering everything into the opposition’s penalty box.

“We’re going to have to compete with that and then try and play our way.

“In certain areas we do need a bit of strength, power, pace and height.

“That’s football – just look at England, they’ve got that in abundance.

“We have to be athletic because of the way we’re going to try and play.”

Bunn saluted the application of his players following last night's victory cruise at FC United.

He added: "I think we carried on for about 70 minutes which was pretty good, then we sort of tailed off but the way we hunted the ball and tried to get on the front foot was very good.”

Athletic are back in pre-season friendly action on Saturday when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Boundary Park (3pm kick-off).

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