Promotion still our aim – Shez

JAN BUDTZ: Set to face MK Dons.

ATHLETIC boss John Sheridan has refuted suggestions that there is unrest among the playing staff and says he is determined to take the club to promotion.

Following allegations that he had a bust-up with striker Lee Hughes at the club function at Belle Vue dog track, the manager said that what had occurred happened in a jovial way.

And he declared: “People on the outside can’t tell me what is going on when they don’t know. I have a great dressing room. The lads are together, despite what has been said, and that is the most important thing.

“I have heard and read what I and others are supposed to have done (at Belle Vue) and it didn’t happen.

“One or two people had a drink, their behaviour wasn’t right, but I dealt with it - and if the same thing happened again tomorrow I would deal with it in exactly the same way. I was happy with my own behaviour and think as manager I dealt with it in the right way.”

He added that he is unhappy with some of the things which have been attributed to him and believes the bad press he has received is unwarranted.

Sheridan said: “My job is about winning games and if I don’t do that and take the club where they want to go, I will get the sack. I’m not stupid or naive.

“All I want is to get the team out of this division and to do well. If I make mistakes along the way then so be it.

“I have felt under pressure all season - and that is being in the top six for most of the time - but I am looking on the positive side and I know I will take the club to where I want them to be.”

Athletic have disciplined three employees following the function at the dog track.

The club has not named them but is understood captain Sean Gregan has been fined the maximum amount of two weeks’ wages while Sheridan and Hughes have been severely censured and warned as to their future conduct.

Athletic’s directors, who investigated the allegations, are hoping this brings closure to the matter and they can move forward.

They say some of the reports of the trouble have been exaggerated, though they admit there were some problems.

“There is no evidence to suggest that any player or staff member was involved in fighting. However, the directors were disappointed with some of the behaviour during what was an official club function,” a club statement read.


ATHLETIC could have on-loan Jan Budtz back in goal for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at play-off rivals Milton Keynes Dons.

The 6ft 5in Budtz, who has been borrowed from Hartlepool, is on stand-by as Greg Fleming is an injury doubt.

Fleming strained a groin muscle in last Saturday’s home defeat by Colchester and his chances of recovering are described by manager John Sheridan as 50/50.

The month-long loan of Budtz expires after tomorrow’s match, but there is a chance Athletic will try to extend it for a second month.

That is likely to be determined by the extent of the injury to Fleming and the fitness of Mark Crossley, who is close to playing again following successful back surgery.

The Athletic will chose between Stefan Stam and on-loan Seb Hines as replacement for suspended Reuben Hazell but he won’t reveal his choice until shortly before kick-off.

Sheridan has a further worry over winger Chris Taylor, who remains a doubt with the calf strain which kept him out of the Colchester game.