Latics play for keeps

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 30 October 2014


ATHLETIC are running the rule over Philippines international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

The 24 year old, released by Fulham in the summer, played in the reserves’ 1-1 draw with Bury this week and could be in line to step in as number two to first-choice Paul Rachubka if a deal is made.

The former England youth international spent his entire career at Craven Cottage. He spent most of 2013-14 on loan as a back-up goalie at Crewe.

Athletic manager Lee Johnson’s hand is being forced by an injury to Joel Coleman. The first-year professional has a knee problem and might have suffered cartilage damage.

Enfield-born Etheridge could be signed in time to board the coach to Bristol City for this weekend’s crunch clash between two sides who between them have lost only twice in Sky Bet League One in their last 46 outings — a full season’s worth of games.

“For us it is really a case of ‘more of the same, lads’,” said Johnson of Saturday’s clash at Ashton Gate. “There is a boldness about our play at the moment and real belief in our methods. We get forward and back on the pitch in numbers and look very fit. For a club like ours to have gone 13 matches without losing is fantastic.”

Johnson is predicting a feast for supporters, 490 will be travelling from Oldham.

“It promises to be a great game again,” he added. “I said that before Chesterfield and I think it will be very similar.”