Italian job!

EXPERIENCE: Benito Carbone wants to return to English football after several seasons back home in Italy.

Carbone in Latics link

BENITO Carbone has confirmed Athletic are one of four clubs interested in signing the veteran Italian.

The 37-year-old, who has played in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Bradford City, Derby, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, has expressed a desire to return to English football.

Apparently Carbone has said that Wigan Athletic, Sheffield United, Walsall and Athletic are the four clubs which have expressed an interest.

The capture of Carbone, who will be 38 in August, would provide much-needed experience after a summer exodus of senior players. His versatility is such that can play as a striker, wide man or in the centre of midfield.

And in an illustrious career, Carbone has also played for top Italian teams Inter Milan, Torino, Napoli and Parma.

Since 2007 he has been on the books of Pavia, who play in the fourth tier of Italian football.

But Carbone last weekend proved he has lost none of his sparkle when he helped Aston Villa over-35s reach the final of the Midlands Masters.

Carbone, who won the tournament’s golden-boot award as well as claiming the player-of-the-tournament prize, spoke after the event about his desire to play again in England.

Athletic manager Dave Penney has dismissed speculation linking Deane Smalley with a summer move to Championship outfit Blackpool.

And Blackpool have also distanced themselves, saying they are not interested in the 20-year-old forward.

Penney, meanwhile, is still waiting to add to his squad. He has four deals agreed and they will be completed when the players return from holiday.

The Athletic manager is keen to get the deals sealed as pre-season training begins on Monday week.

So far utility player Rob Purdie and midfielder Jon Worthington are the only two new arrivals at Boundary Park.

Penney still has plenty of scope to sign players after nine left in a massive summer overhaul of the playing staff.


Carlisle test for Penney

DAVE PENNEY’S Athletic side hit the road to Coca-Cola League One rivals Carlisle United in the first round of the Carling Cup.

The date has yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be played on Tuesday, August 11.

Chief executive Alan Hardy explained that Athletic are disappointed not to have a home draw.

He added: “We would also have preferred to face opposition from another division as that would have given our fans the opportunity to see a different team rather than a side we will be playing later in the season.”