Penney eyes injury-crisis loan deals

ATHLETIC’S injury problems could force Dave Penney into the transfer market.

The Athletic manager is considering a couple of short-term deals in the event of full-backs Neal Eardley and Joe Jacobson along with midfield man Jon Worthington being ruled out of Saturday’s opening Coca-Cola League One fixture.

Penney should, by later today, have a clearer indication as to whether the three players will recover in time for the local derby against Stockport County at Boundary Park.

He said: “We should have a better idea today as to their chances, but I may be looking at a couple of short-term loans if they are ruled out.”

Eardley is suffering from tendonitis in his knee while Jacobson, who limped off against Middlesbrough last Wednesday, has a stomach/groin muscle problem which Athletic are hoping is not a hernia.

Worthington, meanwhile, was substituted after 22 minutes against Blackpool on Saturday after complaining of a tight hamstring.

Penney was pleased with Andy Holdsworth’s performance at right back as replacement for Eardley against Blackpool.

The Athletic chief is mindful of the need to strengthen the defence as he has no cover for centre-backs Sean Gregan and Reuben Hazell.

“It is a key area because teams are built on their defensive strength,” explained Penney, who will be at Edgeley Park tonight to watch Saturday’s opponents play Real Valladolid.

Between now and Saturday Athletic will concentrate on “fine tuning” after almost six weeks of pre-season.

That will entail working on their defensive play in a bid to cut down the number of goals conceded — eight have been leaked in their last three friendlies — and also to perfect set-pieces which Penney describes as an important part of their play.


MOSSLEY are in action tonight with a friendly at Glossop North End (kick-off 7.30pm).