Penney keen to tie up deals

ROB PURDIE: Back in training after injury but will not be risked by Athletic in tonight’s second friendly game of the week at FC Halifax.

ATHLETIC manager Dave Penney is anxious to bring in the final two new players to complete his transfer jigsaw.

Penney’s priorities remain a central defender and striker to complete his squad for the 2009/10 season.

“I have made enquiries for a number of players and am currently waiting for answers. But I am hoping to sort things out quickly,” he explained.

As their pre-season preparations gather momentum, Penney is keen to have the new players on board as quickly as possible to integrate into the team.

Athletic play their second friendly tonight at non-league team FC Halifax Town (7.30).

Midfield man Rob Purdie again sits out the match, though he has recovered from a stomach-muscle strain.

Purdie has resumed full training, but as he has missed most of pre-season he won’t feature tonight or at Bury on Saturday as he plays catch-up in terms of fitness.

Neal Eardley, who was substituted at Hyde United on Monday due to a tight calf muscle, has recovered from that niggle and he will play tonight.

Penney will have a full squad at his disposal and it will be supplemented by three trialists whose identities cannot be revealed.

The Athletic manager will adopt a similar strategy to Monday when he made 10 changes at half time to give every squad member 45 minutes playing time.

Penney has hinted he might increase the playing time against Coca-Cola League Two Bury as the pre-season preparations step up a notch.

Athletic have been drawn at home to Bury in the first round of the Lancashire FA Youth Cup. The game must be played before October 31.

If Athletic are successful, they will travel to either Accrington or Morecambe in the second round.