Latics call for Kenny

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 28 November 2014


EXPERIENCED goalkeeper Paddy Kenny steps straight in to make his debut in the big derby at Spotland tomorrow — with a brief to stop the flow of soft goals conceded by Athletic.

The 36-year-old former Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds man has arrived at SportsDirect.com Park in a loan deal from Bolton until January 5.

Manager Lee Johnson, who let second-choice ’keeper Neil Etheridge leave for Charlton before yesterday’s loan deadline, believes Kenny’s experience will prove beneficial.

And he is set to field him straight away, in preference to Paul Rachubka, as Athletic bid to get one over on Rochdale.

“We have made a move for a good player who became available,” Johnson told the Chronicle. “We’ve been unhappy with a couple of goals we have conceded recently. Both goalkeepers have played pretty well, but goalkeepers are there to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

“We felt we needed the experience Paddy brings. He has been training well and looking sharp at Bolton.

“He’ll be chomping at the bit.”

Athletic haven’t kept a clean sheet in the league since the scoreless draw at Notts County in September. The feeling is that while the defence is mean enough — preventing many strikes on target — those that are getting through are going in too often.

Rachubka is set for a spell on the bench following Kenny’s arrival. The Halifax-born keeper, who has played in more than 500 league games, joined Bolton in September following his release from Leeds United.

But with Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan now fit again to cover for first-choice Andy Lonergan, he has effectively been freed to join Athletic.

Meanwhile, Athletic didn’t seal a deal for Conor Wilkinson, but did land fellow Bolton forward Tom Youngs on a youth loan until January 5. See separate story.