Bunn's eye-catching double swoop

Athletic significantly boosted their attacking options last night (Monday) as boss Frankie Bunn signed two exciting new players.

Twn years since his first spell at Boundary Park, front-man Chris O'Grady has made the return to Boundary Park.

The 32-year-old has been on trial with the club and has featured in a number of pre-season games, scoring against FC United of Manchester.

O’Grady has previously worked with Athletic assistant boss Andy Rhodes at Sheffield Wednesday, where they won promotion to the Championship in 2011/12.

He brings with him a wealth of experience having playing at every level of the English Football League.

The striker started his career as a youngster at Leicester City where he impressed in their Under-18s and reserve teams, making his senior debut for the Foxes in 2003.

Since then he has enjoyed spells at several clubs, including Rotherham United, Bury, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Brighton and Hove Albion.

O'Grady signed for Athletic in 2008, making 34 appearances for the club in all competitions.

In the 2009/10 season, he gained League Two promotion with Rochdale, scoring 22 times in 43 appearances. 

Meanwhile, as predicted yesterday in the Chronicle, Athletic have confirmed the signing of striker Sam Surridge (pictured above with Bunn) on loan from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old has signed a season-long loan from the Cherries.

Surridge is a striker with League Two experience, playing 53 times and scoring 10 times while on loan with Yeovil Town last season.

He also played a part in their FA Cup run which came to an end in the fourth round against Manchester United.

Joining AFC Bournemouth at 14-years-old, he was a prolific goalscorer throughout his youth career.

Surridge will wear shirt number nine during his time at Athletic.

Bunn's new-look team open their League Two campaign on Saturday with a home fixture against MK Dons.

Don't forget this morning's open training session down at Boundary Park. 

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