Sheridan hit by FA charge

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan has been hit by a Football Association “improper conduct” charge after his latest clash with match officials.

Sheridan, who is consulting the League Managers’ Association over a possible appeal, was ordered to the stand at Tranmere by referee Andy Hall after contesting a decision.

And it is not the first time Sheridan has fallen foul of match officials as in 2006/07 he was twice summoned to appear before FA disciplinary hearings after dust-ups on the touchline.

He has previously served one ban from the sidelines and on a second occasion received a £250 fine and warning about his future conduct.

Sheridan’s more immediate thoughts, however, are on tomorrow’s home game against Huddersfield Town and which player will take over from the suspended Sean Gregan in the centre of defence.

It looks like being a straight choice between Stefan Stam and new-boy Richie Byrne, though Sheridan says he has yet to make a decision.

Stam would appear the obvious replacement in terms of experience, with Sheridan admitting the loss of Gregan for the next three matches is a setback, but it is an opportunity for a squad player.

He said: “It is a big blow because he is my captain and a leader on the pitch. He gets a grip of players if he thinks they are slacking or not doing what they ought to be.

“I have to make sure I pick the right replacement. I am hoping whoever comes in is ready to take the chance because, if he does, he has at least three games in the team.”

Sheridan added that striker Lee Hughes, who has been troubled by a groin problem, has managed a full week’s training while Craig Davies has given him “food for thought” after scoring a hat-trick for the reserves as he bids to win back a first-team place.

Athletic (probable): Crossley; Eardley, Hazell, Stam or Byrne, Lomax; Liddell, Allott, Whitaker, Taylor; Hughes, Alessandra. Subs (from): Fleming, Stam or Byrne, Maher, Davies, O’Grady, Smalley.

Huddersfield could have former Everton player Danny Cadamarteri back after a hamstring injury, but Chris Lucketti is likely to miss out for a second game with a groin-muscle problem.




ATHLETIC warn any season-ticket holders with seats in the Leesfield Development Rochdale Road Stand they must exchange their tickets for new seats in the small section as Huddersfield will occupy the large one.
They can do this on the day by presenting voucher 2 from their season ticket book at the cash admission turnstile and exchanging it for a new ticket.

Athletic say they cannot guarantee season-ticket holders being able to sit together unless voucher 2 is presented at the ticket office before 1pm tomorrow.

It is cash admission as normal for all other parts of the ground.