Business as usual -Latics skipper

fit again: Liam Kelly tries to cut out a pass by Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens. PICTURE by ALAN HOWARTH

Returning captain Liam Kelly says players were unconcerned by the Ched Evans drama as they prepared for the battle with Doncaster Rovers.

Kelly played a major role as his side was scuppered late by a pair of goals for Paul Dickov’s men in a controversial 2-2 home draw.

Despite the club being at the centre of national news coverage, Kelly (24) said it was business as usual for the squad’s game preparations.

With three games in eight days coming up - starting with a trip to Fleetwood on Saturday - the influential ex-Kilmarnock and Bristol City man wants a run of results that can push Athletic back to the upper reaches of the league.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s bothered us that much,” said Kelly, who until the Doncaster game had been out for a month with a pulled hamstring.

“Nothing really changes in terms of preparation for the game, it’s not affected us in that way. It’s not had a bearing on us. Hopefully now, it’s the start of the unbeaten run. We need to get back to winning ways.”

Having led 2-0 with only 12 minutes left in the game, Kelly felt Athletic could and should have held on for three points — even with 10 men, and up against some questionable decisions by the referee.

“The boys are massively disappointed in the changing room,” added Kelly.

“We’re not happy with a few of the decisions, which made the task more difficult for us.

“Still, it’s no excuse. We should see the game out and the boys are disappointed we’ve not. At 2-0 up, even with 10 men, we should see that out with 10 minutes to go. We need to be better if we want to be successful.”

Kelly admitted he was confused by the decision to dismiss Joseph Mills, banned for Athletic’s next three fixtures.

“I thought we had a free kick, so I was ready to take that and then he sent Millsy off,” he said. “We’re at a loss how that decision came about.”



Athletic was linked with a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman (21) in a national newspaper yesterday. The Chronicle understands that he has been considered, but other targets are of more interest to manager Lee Johnson.