Goodwin’s warning for Latics

JIM GOODWIN is warning Athletic not to take anything for granted when tackling Coca-Cola League One’s bottom club.

Troubled Stockport County — who host Dave Penney’s side on Saturday, weather permitting — have been in administration since last April and have lost their last 11 matches.

Irish midfielder Goodwin’s loan spell under Athletic manager Dave Penney began with a 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool a week-and-a-half ago and the midfielder is determined not to slip up against a County side he turned out more than 100 times for after joining from Celtic in 2002.

Athletic’s own recent record is also poor, bringing only one win in the last nine league games.

But three points are a must at Edgeley Park in order to ensure the team doesn’t slide into the relegation zone.

“I really hope the game goes ahead,” said Goodwin, referring to the currently snow-covered pitch at Edgeley Park. “My last year at Stockport wasn’t the greatest as we were relegated, but I look back on my time fondly as it is a good, family club and I still know a couple of the players there.

“There are no guarantees for us going there. We need to put our all into the game and give them the respect they deserve.”

The 28-year-old Goodwin is on a one-month deal from League One rivals Huddersfield which runs out at the end of this month.

And the former Ireland international hopes that better times now lie ahead for an Athletic side he believes have plenty of potential.

“The Hartlepool game was the first 90 minutes I have had in a long time and though the result was not what was expected, the performance was encouraging.

“They were hanging on at the end and it is fair to say that the two boys Pawel Abbott and Chris Taylor made a big difference for us when they came on.

“There is no lack of quality in the squad, but it is a case of getting the strongest 11 out onto the pitch which hasn’t been happening.

“It is good to see them back in training now and hopefully they can carry on making a difference.”