Wanted: drummer to pump up the Boundary Park volume!

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson wants to enlist the help of The Courteneers to lift the ground atmosphere.

ATHLETIC are hoping to drum up support for next season — with the help of top-selling local rock heroes The Courteeners.

Manager Lee Johnson wants to find a talented Athletic supporter to bash out rhythms on a drum in the stand — with fans responding in full voice. He hopes to create a whole album’s worth of new terrace chants to lift the team.

The hit Middleton band - whose guitarist Daniel “Conan” Craig Moores is a Latics season-ticket holder — will help out with musical tuition once a suitable drummer has been found.

“I was at a game at the weekend and a drummer really helped to create an atmosphere,” said Johnson, who played alongside Courteeners guitarist Moores in a recent charity match at Boundary Park.

“I would like to get something similar going here, with a drummer and perhaps a singing section.

“I would like to find supporters who have at least some football knowledge and musical talent, so we can create some chants.”

Johnson’s appetite for musical change has already shown itself: on his arrival he changed the pre-match musical set list to incorporate upbeat songs to lift and inspire fans and players.




Lee Johnson has poured cold water on rumours the club is on the verge of signing Bury midfield man David Worrall. The highly-rated 22 year old is still under contract at Gigg Lane, and the relegated club turned down a £150,000 bid by Crawley at the start of the season. Worrall remains out of Athletic’s price bracket.



“I like him,” Johnson admitted, “but that one is a no-go because of the fee.”