Shez keen to recruit two more

JOSH BELL

DESPITE signing five new players, Athletic manager John Sheridan admits his team-building plans for the new campaign are not yet complete.

Sheridan is still looking to bring in further players and ideally would like to make two more signings.

Nothing is imminent and he says he may have to be patient as any further deals may not be concluded until well into the pre-season build-up.

“I am still looking to bring in a couple more players, one being left sided as I think we need more cover in that area,” explained Sheridan.

The new arrivals have been goalkeeper Greg Fleming, utility player Kieran Lee, midfield men Danny Whitaker and Dale Stephens and striker Chris O’Grady.

Sheridan has, however, completed one further signing as youngster Josh Bell has signed his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper has accepted a one-year deal for the 2008/09 season.

Bell was a substitute for a number of first-team matches last season due to the injury-enforced absence of Les Pogliacomi who has since returned to Australia.

He will be third-choice keeper in the current campaign behind Mark Crossley and Fleming who has been captured from Gretna, the Scottish club which has gone bust.




ATHLETIC make their first appearance of the new campaign in unusual surrounds on Wednesday - Delph Cricket Club.



It is being described as a bonding session as the playing staff will be split into two teams for a cricket match, with wickets pitched at 5pm.

Athletic say it will also be a great opportunity for fans to meet the players, especially the new signings.