Johnson finds silver lining in Rochdale postponement

Photo: DARREN ROBINSON

NO PLAY TODAY: Oldham's snow-bound pitch.

Manager Lee Johnson is unlikely to be too disheartened by the postponement of tonight’s derby clash with Rochdale.

The forecast of sub-zero temperatures during today and existing icy conditions led to the game being called off yesterday.

With Brian Wilson hobbling off late on against Fleetwood and Jonathan Forte also on the treatment table, a free night arguably suits Johnson as he deals with a threadbare squad.

Dale can focus on their forthcoming FA Cup fourth round home tie against Stoke City on Monday evening.

Now past the halfway point of the season, Johnson reflected how quickly things can change. When the spotlight was on the Ched Evans saga, some correspondents suggested a relegation battle might be on the cards.

But after a win against Fleetwood, Athletic are only two points out of the top-six.

“There have been only two horrendous performances, Yeovil and MK Dons. “At the start of the season the daggers were out but we played well. In the last three games I have been pleased with our performances. That's why it was so nice to get the win at Fleetwood.

“Defensively, take that mad week out of it and we have been good. That is so frustrating for me — to take that positive goal difference of plus eight we had before the Yeovil game and now to be chasing it again.”

Johnson confirmed he would like to bring back striker Jabo Ibehre and hopes to add other new signings soon.

“We hope that in the next week to 10 days we will be able to bring in one or two,” he said. “If we can't, we have injuries coming back and after that it’s only another week until the loan window opens again.”


ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson has attempted to sign Jonson Clarke-Harris back on loan from Rotherham - but the player has gone to MK Dons.

“Rotherham manager Steve Evans wasn’t keen,” said Johnson of the failed bid.