Sheridan plans to boost squad

ATHLETIC are looking to bring in at least three players during the January transfer window, with a goalkeeper the priority after they learned Mark Crossley will be out until March.

The 39-year-old is to undergo surgery next week after a scan revealed disc damage in his back.

Crossley has missed the last four matches with a hamstring injury but, as he has a history of back problems, he was thoroughly checked over.

Tests revealed a slight tear in his hamstring but, most worryingly, damage to two discs in his back. Earlier in his career he had a spell of almost a year on the sidelines with a similar problem.

Manager John Sheridan had feared the worst and had already started to draw up contingency plans to recruit an experienced keeper as No 2 Greg Fleming has only established a place in the team in the last three weeks.

Sheridan has gambled by not having a keeper on the bench in recent games - teenager Josh Bell would have been the obvious choice - but is worried he will eventually be caught out.

As the clock counts down to midnight, when the window reopens, Sheridan has revealed his wish-list in an attempt to beef up the team’s bid for promotion.

“Ideally, I would like to bring in at least three players if I can sort things out,” he explained.

Sheridan has also identified the centre of defence and up front as areas he would like to strengthen.

The Athletic manager is understood to be tracking a 33-year-old central defender who has a wealth of experience.

Sheridan is also mindful that he may need to strengthen his front line as Darren Byfield is only on loan from Doncaster, who are keen to sign Lee Hughes whose departure would be a massive blow.

It is an indication of Athletic’s determination to keep hold of Hughes that he has been offered a new two-year contract which would make him the highest-paid player at Boundary Park.

Sheridan at least has striker Craig Davies back after a successful two-month loan at Stockport, for whom he scored six goals.

Davies was due back next week but, as Stockport have no game this weekend, Sheridan has decided to recall him so he will be available for Saturday’s game at Huddersfield.

Whether Sheridan gets his targets is also likely to be determined by players leaving Boundary Park to help balance the books.

John Thompson and J P Kalala, currently on loan at Notts County and Grimsby Town, could hold the key as Athletic need to get the transfer-listed pair off the payroll, and perhaps others as well, to provide leeway to make signings.

Athletic have 600 of their 2,600 ticket allocation left for Saturday’s game at The Galpharm Stadium.

The game is all-ticket for Athletic fans and they must be bought from Boundary Park before 5pm on Friday.