Gregan deserves new deal, says chief

Sean Gregan: The Athletic defender has impressed manager Joe Royle

SEAN GREGAN is likely to remain an integral part of Athletic’s plans next season.

Manager Joe Royle believes every effort should be made to ensure the 35-year-old central defender and team captain, who is out of contract this summer, stays at Boundary Park.

Gregan, named player of the month for March, turned in another superb display against Peterborough United on Saturday.

Royle said: “In the four games since I have been back, Sean Gregan has been the best player in each of them.

“No matter what happens with myself at the end of the season, I shall be recommending to the chairman that we should give him at least another year’s contract.

“He is in the right place at the right time as he has been in excellent form for me.”

Gregan is in his third season with Athletic, having joined them towards the end of an illustrious career which also included spells at Darlington, Preston, West Brom and Leeds.
Royle reckons Chris Taylor might have found a new position after he scored his 11th goal of the season in Saturday’s defeat.

After starting wide left of a front three in a 4-3-3 system, Taylor was pushed up alongside Lewis Alessandra after half-time.

Royle said: “I was pleased with Taylor as a front player and I think that might be his best position.”

The Athletic manager was satisfied with many aspects of Saturday’s performance, apart from the result.

He went on: “There was lots to be pleased about and a lot of promise, but I would have been happier with one or three points.”

Royle was impressed with Gregan and Reuben Hazell at the heart of Athletic’s defence, and also praised full-back Neal Eardley, who he described as international class.

He was happy with the contribution of all four midfielders and Matty Wolfenden’s cameo display as a second-half substitute. The striker was making his long-awaited return from injury.