Defender has lofty ambitions

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD . . . Brian Wilson is confident Athletic can push towards the summit of Sky Bet League One

VERSATILE defender Brian Wilson expects Athletic to be challenging at the loftier end of the Sky Bet League One table next season, as opposed to battling to fend off the dreaded drop again.

Wilson (34), who has signed a new one-year contract and is looking forward to a fourth full season at SportsDirect.com Park, has "full faith" in manager John Sheridan to continue bringing in the right players to maybe even push for the play-offs in 2017-18.

There was certainly a statement of intent when exciting attacking midfielder Dan Gardner was drafted in following his exit from Chesterfield.

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Manchester-born Wilson, who has made 85 league appearances for Athletic since his arrival in the summer of 2014, said: "We've got very good experienced players that are here and that will also be signing.

"We have seen over the last few seasons, the manager has brought in young additions and they have done really well.

"I have full faith that he will bring in the right additions and we can push at the top end of the table next season and I'm really confident that we will do that.

"We know we need to improve on the goalscoring side of things and hopefully with the right additions, we can push on."

It seems Wilson, who began his career at Stoke and has also played for Cheltenham, Bristol City and Colchester, needed little encouragement to sign up again once a new contract offer was placed before him at the end of last term.

He added: "Me and the manager briefly had meetings at the back end of the season and he wanted me to stay for a further year so I'm delighted to be here and delighted to have signed the new deal.

"I've had a very good three years here and I enjoy coming in every day and working hard.

"I'm happy that it's all done and dusted and I can't wait to come in on June 29 for the start of pre-season."

Meanwhile, Wilson has also begun to consider what may lie ahead after his playing days are over.

Coaching looks to be on the agenda and he's also keen to keep himself in great shape.

"I've been doing my B-licence for two weeks so that's a lot of running around so I've been keeping fit that way," said Wilson.

"I've been in the gym and I'm slowly starting to do a bit of running so I like to keep myself fit over the summer and I always will."

DAVID Flitcroft has been unveiled as the new manager of Swindon.

The 43-year-old former Bury boss is tasked with leading the Robins back to League One following last season's relegation.

Town, who were reported to be interested in former England international Teddy Sheringham, had been managerless since parting company with Luke Williams early last month.