Athletic making good progress

New-look Athletic are definitely on the right track, according to manager Frankie Bunn.

Following relegation from League One on the final day of last season, fans may have feared what the future held as Athletic were back down in the fourth tier for the first time since the early 70s.

However, former Boundary Park strike legend Bunn was appointed to replace the sacked Richie Wellens, he has freshened up the squad with numerous new faces, and this season has begun encouragingly.

Athletic currently sit in the play-off positions after nine games, and will be defending an unbeaten away record tomorrow when they head south to take on Swindon Town.  

Boss Bunn said: “I think we're still progressing nicely, and I still think we can get better.

“There was glimpses again on Saturday of the football we can play.

“The strength of the squad is there to see with players that can come in and do a job, so all in all its been a really good start to the season.”

Bunn has admitted he didn’t know what to expect from the players when he walked through the door again in June.

However, with four wins to their name and that unbeaten away record, Bunn can see the camaraderie of the group both on and off the field.

“We didn't know what to expect at the start of the season because there were lots of changes with many new lads coming together, but the boys have been terrific so far,” added Bunn.

“I think we only had four that were regulars that started last season and the way they've gelled together so quickly is commendable to them.

“They’re all taking things on board without any hassle and when we came in we said we would change things which we have done, but I still believe we can get better.”

Young Athletic defender Jamie Stott has rejoined National League North side Stockport County on loan for one month.

The 20-year-old signed a two-year contract extension with Athletic in May.

Stott played 16 times for the Edgeley Park club towards the end of last season, helping them reach the play-offs before being recalled.

Meanwhile, Swindon boss Phil Brown has warned over complacency creeping in as his side look to follow up last weekend’s dominant win at Yeovil Town with another at home to Athletic tomorrow.

Brown said: “Oldham are a different challenge completely to Yeovil.

"They have certainly got a similar system and a similar kind of frontline, meaning they have got stature up there and pace and mobility.

“But because we catered for that well against Yeovil, it doesn’t mean to say we can rest on our laurels and think we have cracked it – that’s the last thing I want the players to be thinking."

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