Latics boss wants a finish with a flourish

Dean Holden says his side must aim for five wins from their remaining five games, starting with tomorrow’s visit of play-off chasing Sheffield United.

FIFTEEN more points is the target for Athletic manager Dean Holden to end the season — and possibly his stint as boss — on a positive note.

Sheffield United arrive at SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow aiming to further cement their division play-off place.

Athletic’s own top-six challenge has faded away but Holden - manager until the end of the season - wants to build up momentum that will carry into next season.

“We don’t want to just fizzle out,” said Holden, who could have Anthony Gerrard and George Elokobi back in his squad tomorrow.

“For the lads’ pride we have to go out and put on some good performances and on the back of that, optimism is massive for the fans looking to the next season with the impact of the new stand.

“We know what the challenge is and that is three points in every game. There are five games left and that is what we will set out to do.”

Luke Woodland has been having treatment on his injury at Bolton and tomorrow’s game is the last of his month on loan - as is also the case for Rotherham full-back Mat Sadler. Whether those deals are extended has yet to be decided, but appears doubtful.

Gerrard is with Athletic until the end of the season, as is Jacob Mellis. The borrowed Blackpool man showed brightly in the Crawley defeat on Monday, but the main question mark remains over his

fitness rather than his ability.

“He is a class player on his day. But fitness is an issue for him,” said Holden.

Holden is expecting a Blades side resolute at the back to pose Athletic stiff questions: “You know what you are going to get from them and they are very organised,” he added.

“There are no frills in defence and they are very solid with a lot of experience in there.

“Going forward they have two wingers who are top players on their day.

Holden is getting on with the business of management while external candidates are invited back for second interviews with chairman Simon Corney, who will return to Oldham from America next week

“I am loving every minute,” Holden said. “In terms of next season, organising pre-season games it needs to be looked at and where the lads are going to train. All of that is going on in the background.

“You don’t want to be caught under-prepared, and that won’t happen. I’ve prepared as if I am here long-term. If that isn’t the case, so be it.”


twitter: @Matt_Chambers_