Move on Latics

Date published: 17 December 2014


ATHLETIC striker Jabo Ibehre believes the club can bounce back stronger for the shock home loss to Yeovil.

Ahead of the crunch clash at his former club MK Dons, Ibehre says that every player will have examined exactly what went wrong both individually and collectively in the 4-0 defeat — only Athletic’s second on home soil in Sky Bet League One this season.

Having put the game to bed in the analysis session earlier this week, the task of Ibehre (31) and his team-mates is to gain positive results which can push the club back into the play-off places heading into the New Year.

“Everyone was disheartened and down and you go away with your friends and family and take it with you,” Ibehre told the Chronicle.

“Then you come in on Monday and while there is a bit of gloom, you analyse the game and what you could do better.

“As players and individuals, you have to look at yourself and find out if you are bringing what you should be to the table.

“Once you have analysed what went wrong and why that was, then you move on from it.

“We can’t wallow. We have to move on to the next one and make it happen.

“Sometimes it can be a wake-up call as well. It can be good to feel that stone in your shoe, to get back to reality.”

After the visit to Stadium mk, Athletic are in action on Boxing Day at home to Crewe and on Monday, December 29, travel to Barnsley.

With Lee Johnson’s side only sitting outside of the top six on goal difference, it’s a good chance to bag the points needed to get the club back on an upward curve.

“You have to take a step back to go forwards sometimes and this happens in football,” Ibehre added.

“It’s a busy period now with the games coming up and we have to put this behind us.

“We need to keep everyone fit and get some momentum going into the New Year.

“There is another opportunity for us to get going as games come around quickly.

“So we have to put our best foot forward.”

ATHLETIC’S home game against Rochdale on Saturday, January 3, will now have to be rescheduled due to the club’s involvement in the FA Cup third round on the same weekend.

Athletic officials may move to fill the gap with another game, with scheduled midweek clashes against Swindon, Port Vale and Coventry candidates to be brought forward.