Penney steps up player search

DAVE PENNEY: Looking to strengthen Athletic’s squad.

ATHLETIC manager Dave Penney admitted last night’s 2-1 defeat at non-league FC Halifax Town underlines the need to strengthen the squad.

Penney, who blooded many of the club’s youngsters at The Shay as well as a number of trialists, felt the game had been “an eye-opener.”

He said: “What the two friendlies so far have shown in that we are probably all right squad-wise for the first 12, 13 or 14 players.

“When we go below that we are a little short. We need a couple more players to make us a stronger squad.

“We felt we needed to have a look at trialists and the younger players in this kind of environment, the likes of Paul Black and Lewis Alessandra.

“The game answered questions on trialists, the youngsters and some of the senior players as to whether they can step up to play at first-team level.

“It was an eye-opener and gave us an idea of where we are and what we need.”

The Athletic manager was satisfied with the way his side passed the ball, but admitted they had no end product in the absence of Pawel Abbott and Chris Taylor in particular.

He was disappointed with the two goals Athletic conceded but felt they were largely due to the personnel they had on the pitch.

Penney added that he is making progress with a number of transfer leads and is waiting to hear from clubs whether the moves can proceed.

Athletic will have most of their big-hitters back for tomorrow’s friendly at Coca-Cola League Two side Bury.

Central-defensive duo Sean Gregan and Reuben Hazell, along with front players Abbott, Taylor and Deane Smalley all sat out last night’s game.