Sheridan facing selection poser

WITH less than two weeks until the big kick-off in Coca-Cola League One, John Sheridan has admitted he doesn’t know his strongest team.

But the Athletic boss is ready to whittle 26 professionals down to 11, starting with tonight’s home game against Premier League side Hull City (7.45 kick-off).

New faces including midfielder Danny Whitaker and striker Chris O’Grady have already staked their claims, with Sheridan revealing he held a long-term interest in ex-Rotherham man O’Grady.

He said: “I tried to sign Chris when I first got the job two years ago. He was at Leicester and has done well since he came here.

“He works hard, he wants to stay behind after training and he has put himself in the frame.
“Danny Whitaker is another player I like. He’s a good footballer who scores goals from midfield, which is vital if you want to do well.

“All the lads know there are plenty of people hoping to get in the side, so they have to show me how much they want it.

“I can honestly tell you I don’t know my starting line-up at the moment, but our first three pre-season games were about fitness and now we are starting to focus more on team play.

“When we go to Bradford on Saturday (for the final friendly), I’ll be looking towards the team who will play the first league game.”

Athletic currently have 25 full-time pros, but Stoke winger Demar Phillips will play again tonight ahead of a probable loan move.

And Sheridan is hoping to add another player to his squad as he has also made enquiries to sign a left-back.

Tonight’s match against Hull (admission costs £10 for adults, £5 for under-16s and over-65s, £3 for under-12s in the Chaddy End) could involve fit-again duo Kieran Lee and John Thompson.

But Athletic face two games in two days as they are at non-league Barrow tomorrow night – Sheridan confirmed he will take some of his younger players, such as Dale Stephens, to Cumbria.

Athletic have been allocated 1,504 seats for the all-ticket game at Leeds United on Saturday, August 16, with the possibility of a further 500 if required.

Prices are £27 for adults, £17 for over-60s and £13 for under-16s. There are no student concessions.

They are currently on sale to season-ticket holders producing voucher B, with only one ticket per voucher.

Any remaining seats will go on open sale on Friday, August 8.

Leeds warn Athletic fans there is an automated entry bar code on tickets so they must not be bent, folded or ripped and stubs must not be detached.