Latics line up two new signings

Photo: -DARREN ROBINSON

COMIC STRIP: Athletic’s new home kit for next season went on sale at the Sports Direct store in town yesterday - and there to snap up a shirt for smiling 10-month-old Emily Finnegan was mum Sarah, pictured with sales assistant Natalie McAiney.

ATHLETIC hope to complete the attacking line-up for the new season with TWO new players next week.

The Chronicle understands the pair — one is leaving a premier league club, the other a championship outfit — have agreed deals. Both players are expected to sign permanent contracts.

The duo will complement the talent already at Kelly’s disposal: last season’s top scorer Jonathan Forte, Danny Philliskirk, Rhys Murphy, Jordan Bove and Dominic Poleon make up the senior members of Kelly’s attack-minded roster.

Kelly has already stated his intention to bring in a centre-forward who can hold up the ball to bring his pace men into play. There could also be room for a “number 10”-type player in a 3-4-1-2 formation, one of Kelly’s favoured line ups.

Once the deals have been tied up, attention will switch to the main priority: a defensive leader. Anthony Gerrard, who was on loan with Athletic last season from Huddersfield, has been mentioned, but his last deal with the championship club means he must take a substantial drop in pay for a permanent move.

Athletic are just over a week away from the start of pre-season training on June 28. The first friendly is against Chester, at the Deva Stadium on July 11.



DAVID Mellor has signed a two-year deal at Barrow AFC. The full-back or midfield man, released by Athletic at the end of the season, joins manager Darren Edmondson’s side newly-promoted to the Vanarama National League after claiming the Conference North title.

Once linked with a move to Fulham, Shaw man Mellor made 62 appearances for Athletic since his debut four years ago. He managed only three appearances for the club in 2014-15, and spent time out on loan at Alfreton and Halifax.

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_