Fringe benefits

JORDAN Bove could get another chance to impress against Walsall tomorrow in Athletic’s penultimate game of the season.

THREE points at his former club Walsall may help Dean Holden’s bid to be named as Athletic’s permanent new manager. But he may not pick his strongest available side tomorrow.

That’s because the 35 year old believes it is in the club’s best interests to give run-outs to fringe players. Jack Truelove and Jordan Bove, who both have options in their existing deals, may get to play at the Banks’s Stadium. David Mellor, out of contract in the summer, could also be involved.

With Athletic chairman Simon Corney telling the Chronicle this week the board has still to make a final decision on the manager, Holden accepts increasing his win percentage could help him.

“There are 12 players contracted, so apart from that everyone is playing for next season,” said Holden, who spent two years as a popular figure at Walsall before returning to Athletic as first-team coach in November.

“We will see what they are made of. From day one, I have never thought I needed my best team out so I could get three points and the job. There is always tomorrow to look at as well.

“The opportunity to give younger players the chance is important. If I really wanted to nail the job I would put out the strongest team. I want the job, of course, but I have to weigh up what the right thing is to do for the club.

“I am not saying they will all definitely start, but they are in contention. If the club decides to go with someone else, I can handle that. I make the decisions, as always, for the club.”

With Athletic’s under-18s in action on Monday night (7pm kick-off) in their Youth Alliance Cup final against MK Dons at SportsDirect.com Park, Jack Tuohy and Devante Jacobs may get their chance to feature against Peterborough, rather than at Walsall.

Conor Wilkinson is set to miss tomorrow with his hamstring injury, but there could be a return for clubmate Luke Woodland. Dominic Poleon, Rhys Turner and Jacob Mellis are back in contention.