Royle’s parting gift to new manager

JOE ROYLE will give new Athletic manager Dave Penney an indication as to what is required to bring success to Boundary Park.

Royle has compiled a report on the playing staff he inherited from John Sheridan and what he believes is needed to take the team forward.

Royle said: “I am not giving Dave a plan, but suggestions and observations. The plan is for the new manager, who will have his own ideas on how to play.

“He is experienced at this level and has done a fantastic job before at getting clubs promoted.

“I will be giving him all the suggestions he wants, but I will not be pestering him, which I have seen happen at clubs. You should let the new broom sweep clean.”

Royle has already trimmed the squad, which should make it easier for Penney to bring in his own players.

He went on: “It is far from doom and gloom, but changes are required and to get promotion the club will need better players either from within, who are able to step up, or from outside.”

Royle said one of Penney’s priorities must be to find a goal-scorer

He has also told chairman Simon Blitz where other improvements can be made, both on and off the field.

Royle said: “It not only involves the team, but the place as a whole which needs a lick of paint.

“I have mentioned a lot of things which may help make this club a Championship side again.”

Royle admitted he might have stayed on if he had won half a dozen games or if former Manchester City chairman John Wardle or somebody else had come forward to invest in the club.

He said: “The owners here are ambitious, but that ambition will have to match reality and there are very few clubs which can do otherwise.

“The old club is still here and in many ways it has not moved forward. There is still an oldness about the place. It is cosy and warm, but it needs a vitality.

“It needs a younger manager who is hungry and is prepared to go to three reserve games each week.

“I even went to watch non-league football when I was manager and there are sacrifices to be made to get the club going. I am sure the new manager knows that.”

Royle loved every moment of almost seven weeks back as caretaker manager.

He said: “I have had a buzz and my boys say I look 10 years younger.

“I wouldn’t have changed anything other than I would have loved to have won some games.

“It is a close division from top to bottom, but four 1-1 draws have shown we haven’t scored the goals to win games.

“We could conceivably be eight or nine points better off than we are.”