Penney closes in on first target

ATHLETIC are close to clinching their first pre-season signing as new manager Dave Penney begins his massive rebuilding job at Boundary Park.

After the summer exodus of nine professionals, Penney is overseeing a major overhaul of the playing staff.

He has already made offers for two players and negotiations with one are said to be at an advanced stage.

“We are hoping something will be concluded soon with one of the players,” said chief executive Alan Hardy.

It is believed Penney has lost out for one player, with Darlington midfield man Jason Kennedy signing for neighbours Rochdale.

The 22-year-old former Middlesbrough player was reported in the North East to be Penney’s No 1 target, but he has joined the Spotland club on a two-year contract.

And midfield man Ricky Ravenhill, another of Penney’s former Darlington players and also a potential target, has signed for Notts County.

Athletic were yesterday forced to postpone the unveiling of new assistant manager Martin Gray and goalkeeping coach Andy Collett.

The pair, recently sacked by the administrator at Darlington, were today having further talks with Athletic officials to try to resolve a number of minor points in their agreements.

Mr Hardy is confident these will be overcome and Penney’s new management team will be finalised either later this week or early next.

Dean Windass, the 40-year-old striker who had a loan spell at Boundary Park last season, is being linked with a move from Hull City to Darlington where Colin Todd has been appointed manager and successor to Penney.

This week’s wet weather has delayed the start of the pitch renovation work at Boundary Park.

And with the forecast remaining unsettled, it is unlikely it will be started this week.

The loss of a week’s work could mean the pitch will not be ready for action by July 18, the projected date for the return of Oldham Roughyeds.

Athletic remind fans that the deadline for discounted season tickets is next Wednesday. The Boundary Park offices are open from 9am to noon on Saturday, but are closed on Monday.