Many happy returns

Date published: 09 July 2014


ATHLETIC utility man David Mellor is fighting fit again and set to feature in tomorrow night's pre-season friendly fixture at Curzon Ashton – the day of his 21st birthday.

Mellor had featured regularly in manager Lee Johnson's side last season before injury struck.

The left-sided player had 28 appearances under his belt in all competitions until he was hit by a knee injury in the home defeat against Rotherham on March 11, and surgery followed.

It's been a long road back to fitness, but Johnson has confirmed that Mellor will play at least some part at the Tameside Stadium tomorrow after he had sat out last weekend's opening warm-up game against Steaua Bucharest.

Johnson said: "David will be back in tomorrow. He's been looking really good in training this week and I'm going to be giving him a run-out.

"It's been a tough spell for David, but he has worked hard in getting himself back in shape.

“He's looked powerful this week, in particular ,so we'll ease him back in now. I want to try and get a big season out of David.

"He's a quality player and it's good to see him back in full training."

Athletic’s other main injury victim carried over from last season – Mellor’s fellow youngster Jack Truelove – continues to make good progress after his knee problem, but he is still two or three weeks away from resuming full training.

Meanwhile, Johnson is working hard on potential transfer targets, though there appears no desperate rush to add to the squad this week.

Asked about the three trialists still under his watchful gaze (ex-Kilmarnock striker William Gros plus two unnamed players) the Athletic boss said: "I'll make a decision on that probably on Friday or Saturday.

"We're still looking around, but while I feel we could field a strong enough team if the season started this weekend, the squad is definitely not complete."

The latest player linked with potential interest from Athletic is former Rotherham, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers striker Will Hoskins (28), who was released by Brighton in the summer.

However, he has been on trial at Athletic's new Sky Bet League One rivals Barnsley this week.