Sheridan gets green light for fresh faces

Sheridan gets stuck in at his first training session PICTURE: DARREN ROBINSON

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NEW recruits have already been approved for Athletic manager John Sheridan as he focuses on improving the team’s fortunes.

The returning 51 year old, who swapped Newport for a club for which he has a strong affinity after success as a player and manager, wants to add fresh blood to the squad. And chairman Simon Corney, who has given Sheridan a second chance after sacking him seven years ago, gave the green light to bolster the side before he flew back to the US.

“I've been given the all-clear to push on,” said Sheridan. “There are a few people I am trying to bring in and who I’ve identified to strengthen us. I've only worked with the players that are here for one day and I have to look at them. But at the same time it’s important to bring in one or two. It will give us a lift.”

For now Sheridan goes with what he has: Academy boss Tony Philliskirk will offer his advice from within the dug-out for the Bradford game tomorrow.

“I will try to give the players that bit of belief,” added Sheridan, who had 22 men training yesterday including Lee Croft, who missed the Millwall game with an ankle injury.

“There are some good players here. It is just getting that winning mentality. When confidence is down, sometimes you think you are going to lose before you go out on to the pitch.

“I want to try to forget what has gone. I have come in and whether I’m the answer, we will find out. Hopefully, my experience and know-how and belief we can get out of it will work. People know me well here, but there is a job to do and I will be judged on results.”

Croft was on loan at Athletic 12 years ago when Sheridan was on the staff, and the manager is already familiar with some other players.

“I have always liked Jonathan Forte and Rhys Murphy,” he said. “I wouldn’t say Forte is ready to start, but he is training and came on in the last game. So it’s a case of getting to match tempo again.”

Sheridan hopes to add to his coaching staff by next week, ahead of the home game with Bury.

Kevin Russell, formerly Darren Ferguson’s assistant at Peterborough and currently involved with Stoke’s academy, has been linked with a job in the back room team.

“He has won this division as an assistant and has assisted in the Championship. Hopefully, it will be next week some time, though we need to sit down and talk,” said Sheridan. “He seems keen to come and hopefully, he can.”