Allott more to come from Latics

OPTIMISTIC . . . Mark Allott believes Athletic’s squad contains more quality this season.

HAD Athletic been offered 10 points from four games at the start of this season, they would have been more than happy to accept.

But midfield star Mark Allott believes it is performances, not just results, which are providing genuine hope of a successful campaign.

Athletic have so far won both their home matches – scoring eight goals in the process – beaten Leeds at Elland Road and earned a weekend draw at promotion fancies Colchester.

And Allott says they are rising to the challenge set by manager John Sheridan, who saw his first two years in charge blighted by early-season setbacks.

Allott explained: “It’s good to be part of this squad at the moment because everyone is feeling upbeat and we all believe we can do well this season.

“The gaffer made his feelings clear about what he wanted. He kept saying a good start was very important, so it’s pleasing to be up there at an early stage.

“Expectation is probably higher this year, but that’s only right because we’ve brought experienced players into the club who have added extra quality.

“Obviously we are pleased with our results, but more than anything I think the way we are playing should give everyone confidence.

“The longer you stay unbeaten the more you want to keep it that way, so hopefully we’ll carry on with the standards we’ve set.

“We wanted to make it four wins out of four against Colchester but, although we had to settle for a point, it was a pleasing result in the end.

“I’m not sure we would have come from 2-0 down last season, so it’s another game we should take confidence from and hopefully a sign of what we can do.

“We’ve been showing determination and fighting spirit – there’s a lot of that around the squad and it helps when you’ve got so much competition.

“Good teams usually have good back-up, and you can see the position we are in when Craig Davies, who scored a lot of goals last season, wasn’t on the bench against Colchester.

“We’ve got impact players waiting to come in, so it’s always in your mind that you need to keep doing well.”

Allott (30) was Athletic’s most consistent performer last term when he was named Chronicle Star Man and won six other awards, including fans’ player and players’ player of the year.

He has also been shortlisted in the North-West Football Awards and could pick up another gong when the results are announced in November.

More importantly, he is working on his flourishing partnership with Danny Whitaker, who joined in the summer from Port Vale.

The pair have started Athletic’s last three league games together in central midfield – Kevin Maher was chosen ahead of Whitaker on the opening day – and Allott is encouraged by their progress.

He said: “I knew Danny was good because I’d played against him in the past, but he has come into the side and done really well.

“He likes to get the ball down and play. He’s a calming influence and very creative.

“I think he could chip in with a few goals this season, and personally I’m happy to sit back and let him play.

“We all have our place in the team and, although it’s early days, all the lads are full of belief.”