It’s not job done, insists Holden

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 27 March 2015


ATHLETIC manager Dean Holden has stressed there will be no letting up as the battle for places in the side intensifies.

The 35 year old takes his men to what he jokingly described as a “beach” at Bradford tomorrow — but he has banished any thoughts of summer holidays.

With the chance to get to within one point of the play-off spots in Sky Bet League One, Holden says the drive away from danger has been replaced by a desire to build on the success of the past two wins.

“With the injuries we have had and the problems we have faced, it has been a fantastic effort from everyone,” said the manager. “What we don’t want to do is rest on our laurels. We are looking up now, not thinking job done.

“Some players have had a good rest over the past three or four weeks and they are coming back at a time when we have got a lot of games It could pan out well.”

Athletic have an excellent record at Valley Parade in recent years, winning four times in the past five visits.

Returning from injury are captain Liam Kelly and defensive duo James Wilson and Joseph Mills. Jacob Mellis, George Elokobi and Amari Morgan-Smith may return to training on Monday and Rhys Murphy could be in contention against Bristol City on Good Friday.

“We are emptying the physio room, slowly but surely,” Holden said. “We’ve put a few things in place with injuries and we haven’t had one for a week or so after changing a few things around.”

Striker Conor Wilkinson, who missed the midweek derby with Rochdale, arrived back from international duty this afternoon after picking up an assist in Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 home win over Andorra in the UEFA Championship qualifier.

After playing 72 minutes of that game in Waterford last night, he may not be considered fresh enough to start tomorrow - but that could depend on the fitness of Rhys Turner.

Tight hamstrings and a hard, rutted pitch may not mix well for Athetic’s two-goal hero against Rochdale.

“We will have to see how Turner is, maybe even as late as Saturday morning,” Holden added. “If he has slight doubts at all, you risk losing him for the rest of the season.”

Holden is personally relishing tomorrow’s game and says that nobody is under illusions over the task in hand.

“They have had a lot of hype this year, with the cup games, and a lot of people at this level know about them,” he said. “The players will be fully aware of the challenge.

“We will have a good following and with them all packed in together I am sure it will be a good atmosphere. I am looking forward to it.”