We have to work with what we’ve got — Johnson

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson tries to get his point across at Deepdale on Saturday.

ATHLETIC fans are entitled to vent their frustrations - but spending big money to fix problems isn’t currently an option, says manager Lee Johnson.

The 1-0 defeat by Preston was the second in four league games - though two came at the feet of sides which finished in the top six last season.

Though some of the 869 visiting fans at Deepdale expressed anger at the team’s inability to turn possession into goals, Johnson believes supporters can pick out positive elements from the season’s disappointing opening.

“They are an educated bunch,” Johnson said of the fans. “I think when they go home and think about it, they will see at least we are showing what we are about against good teams.

“Of course, they will be disappointed; many will say we should have got a striker and a 6ft 6in

centre-half. It isn’t as easy as that. That is where the real money is and at the moment, we have to work with what we’ve got.”

Athletic are instead investigating their options when it comes to squad strengthening, be it loan signings or players available on free transfers.



TICKETS are available for Athletic’s game at Doncaster on Saturday, £23 for adults, £17 for over-65s, £13 for 17-20 year-olds, £8 for juniors (12-16) and £5 for under-11s. Buy tickets in advance’ turnstiles sales won’t be available at the game.