Williams’ record shows merit of Latics vcitory

ATHLETIC’S victory at Leyton Orient was all the more creditable bearing in mind the home side’s excellent form under Geraint Williams.

When Williams became manager in February, the Os were in the relegation places.

But a run of seven wins and one draw from nine matches transformed their campaign and they finished well clear of the drop zone in 14th place.

Williams said the challenge at Orient had not been as difficult as expected.

“When you take over a team in the relegation places, you imagine that there must be a lot wrong,” he said.

“That wasn’t the case and the only thing we lacked were strikers to put the ball in the net.”

Williams solved that problem last season with the loan signings of Scott McGleish (Wycombe) and Simon Church (Reading).

McGleish found the net six times in 16 games, while Church scored five in 13.

During the close season, Orient sold striker Adam Boyd to Hartlepool for £80,000, but that was more than offset by the capture of front players James Scowcroft, the veteran from Crystal Palace, Romanian Adrian Patulea from Lincoln City and McGleish from Wycombe on a permanent deal.

With those three joining Ryan Jarvis, Williams believes he is well equipped in the striking department.

ATHLETIC are looking for two new backroom staff - a laundry assistant/cleaner and stadium operative.

The laundry assistant/cleaner will be responsible for training and match kits as well as some general cleaning duties, while the stadium operative will clean seats and tidy the inside and outside of Boundary Park.

Athletic say the part-time posts would suit active retired people. Application forms are available from Janice Coxon on 0871 2261653. Apply by Friday.