Gregan set to join Spireites

FORMER Athletic captain Sean Gregan (right)

FORMER Athletic captain Sean Gregan looks set to be heading for Coca-Cola League Two club Chesterfield where he will be reunited with John Sheridan.

It is believed Sheridan, who yesterday joined the Spireites on a three-year contract, will make a move for the 34-year-old defender who was recently informed by manager Dave Penney he would not be given a new deal.

Gregan was Athletic’s best player in the second half of the campaign with the decision to release him largely driven by financial reasons.

There will be a Boundary Park feel about the management team at Chesterfield where Sheridan will be joined by No 2 Tommy Wright and Mark Crossley who both left Athletic at the end of the season.

Penney, meanwhile, is still playing a waiting game at Boundary Park as a number of transfer targets consider offers he has made.

The Athletic manager admitted it is a case of having to be patient as a number of the players on his wanted list are away on holiday.

Athletic have finalised two further friendlies at Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday, July 28 and away to Bradford Park Avenue the following night.

It is likely the sides will be a mixture of first team and reserve players for each of the two games.

Athletic will be seeded for next Tuesday’s draw for the first round of the Carling Cup. As one of the 35 highest-placed teams they will avoid Championship opposition.

Former Athletic loan player Dean Windass top scored for Middlesbrough as his four goals helped their over-35s win the Northern Masters which were held at Newcastle’s Metro Arena.

Athletic assistant manager Martin Gray and goalkeeping coach Andy Collett appeared for Darlington in the event.

Athletic’s ticket office is closed on Saturday, but the shop is open between 9am and noon.