Home debut for striker Parker

Matty Wolfenden (right): Wanted by Wrexham.

STRIKER Keigan Parker has completed his move to Boundary Park and will take his place in the starting line-up when Athletic entertain Sunderland tomorrow (3pm).

It will be the first chance for may fans to have a look at what is a vastly different squad assembled by new boss Dave Penney.

The pacy Parker (27) has signed a one-year contract with he option of another year after securing a free transfer from Huddersfield Town.

His goals helped Blackpool win promotion a couple of seasons ago and Athletic are hoping he can do a similar job here.

He will line up alongside another new recruit in the shape of ex-Darlington forward Pawel Abbott - a combination Penney hopes will bear fruit in the coming season.

Also set for a home debut is defender Andy Holdsworth, another ex-Huddersfield man who was drafted in in midweek.

Penney’s extensive rebuilding of the squad over the summer means there are also first Boundary Park outings for the likes of goalkeeper Dean Brill, defender Joe Jacobson and key midfield pair Dean Furman and Jon Worthington.

The versatile Rob Purdie, Penney’s first recruit from old club Darlington, has been troubled by a stomach muscle problem in pre-season but it is hoped he might be able to play some part tomorrow.

With only two more friendlies to go before the season kicks off (Blackpool visit Boundary Park a week tomorrow) Latics fans are likely to see something close to the league starting line-up in action for much of tomorrow’s encounter.

Deane Smalley and Neal Eardley sat out Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Macclesfield due to minor injury niggles but it is hoped both will be fit.

Meanwhile, striker Matty Wolfenden, who is being released by Athletic, looks set to join non-league Wrexham.

He played for them for 84 minutes of a midweek friendly against Preston and they were hoping to complete a deal for him today.

Athletic have, so far, had no enquiries for midfielder Kieran Lee, who has also been told he can go out on loan elsewhere.


ATHLETIC have hurriedly arranged to play Middlesbrough’s first team in a friendly at Boundary Park next Wednesday (7.45).

Boro had been due to face Darlington but that game is off so Latics stepped in.

Admission will be £10 for adults, £5 pensioners and the under-16s and £3 for under-12s. Boro fans will use the Rochdale Road end.