Latics poised to sign defender

Deane Smalley: Double-figure goals challenge from the manager.

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan is lining up a move for a new defender.

Sheridan’s target has gained European and domestic experience with a club in Scotland and is likely to sign for Athletic as a free agent.

He is primarily a left-back but would also provide cover on the left-hand side of central defence.

Sheridan said: “If we can get everything sorted the lad will be coming in. He has played in the UEFA Cup and I’m hopeful it’s going to happen.”

Athletic have been seeking a left-back since Ryan Bertrand’s loan spell from Chelsea ended in January. Kelvin Lomax has usually done the job, including in all four league games this season, but Sheridan wants to add a further option to his squad.

As the potential new face is currently without a club, Athletic do not have to rush anything through before the transfer window closes at midnight tonight.

And the signs are that they will keep their most valuable assets, with chairman Simon Blitz confirming no bids had been accepted for the likes of Chris Taylor and Neal Eardley.

Other players, however, are free to leave, and Athletic are hoping the enquiries made for JP Kalala and John Thompson will lead to permanent transfers.

If not, the loan market will re-open next week after a post-window break of seven days.

Meanwhile, Sheridan has challenged young forward Deane Smalley to use his vital goal against Colchester on Saturday as a launchpad for the season.

Smalley (19) came off the subs’ bench to hit a dramatic equaliser after Athletic had trailed 2-0 in Essex.

Sheridan said: “Everybody knows what I think of the lad’s ability, so hopefully that goal will be the first of many.

“I think he should be scoring 10 – he’s good enough to do that – and the same goes for Lewis Alessandra.

Athletic are at home to Morecambe tomorrow in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy (7.45pm kick-off).

Admission is free for under-16s, £5 for senior citizens and £10 for adults, while 25 places are available in the Corner Flag Suite (with pay bar) for £15 each. These should be booked over the phone: 0871 226 1653.