I felt bad for Kelly — Croft

Photo: -DARREN ROBINSON-

Athletic interim boss David Dunn (l) and Lee Croft on the training ground.

ATHLETIC midfield man Lee Croft admits he felt for outgoing boss Darren Kelly, who was fired by Athletic only seven league games into the season.

Croft, who sat out the 5-1 home thrashing by Peterborough that led to Kelly’s departure, revealed the mood in the squad was sombre afterwards. When players reported back for training next morning, they found David Dunn would be taking control.

“I felt sorry for him,” said Croft of Kelly. “The lads really liked him and everyone got on well with him.

“It was one of those things in the end. The chairman made the decision to go down another route.

“After the Peterborough game, everyone was very down in the changing room. It is never pleasant, coming off the field after a defeat, but after a hiding like that, it’s one of the worst feelings in the world.”

Athletic head to Doncaster on Saturday in search of a second win of the season. Dunn’s team selection will give an early insight into his thinking - including whether he himself will play.

Croft sees in his new boss as a man readied for the management role: “I think he will do well for us,” the player explained. “Even when he was just a player he was very vocal, and at half-time and after games he would always speak his mind. This is a natural progression for him.”

Athletic’s players were back in training this morning with Dunn, assistant manager Dean Holden and new first-team coach Keith Brown.



JORDAN Bove has returned to Athletic after a short loan spell with Evo-Stik League Northern Premier side Ashton United. Heading out is left-back Jack Truelove, who has joined Brackley Town on a month’s loan.