Johnson eyes reinforcements

BOSS Lee Johnson reckons three extra players are needed to maintain his side’s bid for a top-six finish. PICTURE: VINCENT BROWN

THREE extra players could push Athletic into the top six this season, with the club at the same time in a strong position to fend off outside bids.

Manager Lee Johnson says if his squad can continue to push towards the top of Sky Bet League One into the new year, there could be scope to seek reinforcements for a tilt at the play-offs.

He allayed fears that scouts who flocked to see the club’s 4-1 win over Coventry will be able to report that Athletic’s best performers can be picked up cheaply.

“Have we got a real chance of the top six? I believe we need three players,” said Johnson ahead of tomorrow’s big home test against Bradford.

“It is still really tight and we just have to stick in there. Maybe in January, if we are up there or in a similar position to now, maybe we could get two or three that could propel us where we want to be.”

Johnson pointed to the spending power of the division’s big guns Bristol City, Preston and MK Dons when it comes to bringing in extra numbers. He admits Athletic are “underdogs”, but emphasises his strong bargaining position.

Stand-out centre-back James Wilson has a contract clause which would trigger a further year after a certain number of games, taking him to the summer of 2016.

Captain Liam Kelly has a three-year deal and Mike Jones, Joseph Mills and Danny Philliskirk are on two-year contracts, with an option for a third year.

“Generally our best players are on two and three-year contracts minimum,” Johnson said. “It will be tough for someone to prise them away.

“Of course, we don’t want to stand in people’s way. But hopefully we will reach the point where we can do a Peterborough, buying players like we did with Dominic Poleon then selling them for a lot of money when they have been developed.”

George Elokobi will miss tomorrow’s game and up to the next two weeks after a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.

Bradford are expected to bring more than 1,500 fans and Johnson’s hope is that Athletic supporters turn out in force to support their 12-games-unbeaten side.

“I had hoped for a few more against Coventry, but it was a freezing and the Champions League was on,” he said. “On Saturday, there’s no excuse!”