Royle uncertain over his future

Matty Wolfenden: Praised by boss Joe Royle.

JOE ROYLE admits it is by no means certain he will be offered the Athletic manager’s job on a permanent basis.

With all the speculation about whether Royle will accept the challenge, Athletic’s caretaker chief is taking nothing for granted when discussions take place this week.

Royle admitted: “It will be a tough decision for both of us. The chairman has a manager who has drawn four and lost four, and if I were him, I would not be happy with me.

“I knew it would be tough when I took over because the goals had dried up in the second half of the season.

“We had just let in six goals at MK Dons and it was always going to be hard to reverse the slide.

“We have let players go and we are no worse a team for losing Hughes, Kabba, Liddle and one or two other loan players.

“I have pruned things down ready for next season when we hope to have an improvement. And I think you can now see the wood from the trees.”

Neal Eardley and Chris Taylor have been named by their fellow professionals in the PFA League One team of the year.

Royle believes the honour is merited as both players have been consistent performers for Athletic.

He said: “I am delighted for both of them as you cannot beat being recognised by your peers.

“To be voted by fellow professionals the best player in their positions in this division is a big honour for them.

“Taylor is our second top scorer and on Saturday against Southend we missed his running power, pace and goal threat.

“Eardley has great delivery with his crosses. He has to learn to defend better, but they are both great lads.”

League One team: Joe Murphy (Scunthorpe), Neal Eardley (Oldham), Jack Hobbs (Leicester), Sean O’Hanlon, Dean Lewington (both MK Dons), Fabian Delph (Leeds), Matt Oakley (Leicester), Chris Taylor (Oldham), George Boyd (Peterborough), Rickie Lambert (Bristol Rovers), Matt Fryatt (Leicester).

Royle added that he also has high hopes for Matty Wolfenden, saying he has the movement and intelligence to be a power in League One once he regains match sharpness.

“He has spent too much time in the treatment room and if he ever gets fit and has a decent run we will see the best of him,” said Royle.