Shez closes in on loan target

DEANE SMALLEY: Started the cup tie in a striking role.

ATHLETIC boss John Sheridan is hoping to wrap up his move for a new signing in the next 48 hours.

Sheridan indicated last week that he was virtually certain to bring in an experienced striker, but the deal was delayed by issues with FA Cup eligibility.

It still might not happen as details are yet to be finalised, but Athletic have since lost Brett Ormerod to injury.

Ormerod suffered a broken toe in training, ruling him out for at least a month, and his loan agreement from Preston has now been ripped up.

Six-goal striker Lee Hughes will be back for the game at Northampton on Saturday after serving a one-match ban for five yellow cards.

Matt Wolfenden may also return to the squad after missing the weekend FA Cup tie at Cheltenham with a knee problem.

Athletic had a worrying lack of options up front for their cup game and started with Deane Smalley – who is usually deployed as a winger – alongside Lewis Alessandra.

In the second half they used Alessandra as the only central striker, with Smalley and Chris Taylor supporting from out wide.

Meanwhile, Athletic co-owner Simon Corney is expected to speak with Sheridan and his assistant, Tommy Wright, at Boundary Park this week.

There has been an embarrassing public bust-up following Mr Corney’s criticism of the management and the players.

Wright hit back angrily at the club’s managing director and pointed out Athletic, despite being in poor form, were seventh in the League One table.

Mr Corney has opted to make no further comment.

Athletic defender Neal Eardley will miss the FA Cup first-round replay at home to Cheltenham next Tuesday.

Eardley has been called up to the full Wales squad for their friendly in Denmark, which takes place the following day.

The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in the weekend draw at Whaddon Road, where Reuben Hazell and Kelvin Lomax started at full-back before the team was rejigged.

Athletic will not be opening the Detect All Chaddy End for next week’s replay. Chief executive Alan Hardy explained: “It will reduce costs on the night and hopefully generate a good atmosphere with more people in the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road End, which has better facilities.”