Jim’s loan deal hint

FRUSTRATION at his parent club could lead to Jim Goodwin staying on at Athletic beyond the initial one-month term of his loan deal.

The 28-year-old had made only five first-team starts for Athletic’s League One rivals Huddersfield Town this season under manager Lee Clark, after competition for the central midfield spots was increased following the permanent signing of Tranmere’s Antony Kay and the addition of Danny Drinkwater from Manchester United on a long-term loan.

A lack of opportunities to impress thus led to Goodwin seeking pastures new and, after talking with boss Dave Penney, he decided to make the switch across the Pennines to Boundary Park.

“I played in 40 games last season,” said Goodwin. “But I knew that the manager (Clark) had been given finances in the summer and he brought in a couple of players in my position.

“I have played the odd time this season but usually when players are suspended, and they would come back in for me when their ban is up.

“I told myself I would give it until Christmas. It has been very frustrating, as I have been a first-team regular ever since I came over to England.”

As for the chance to remain with Athletic, Tramore-born Goodwin admits it is out of his hands and simply wants to keep playing at this level.

“Nothing has been mentioned yet,” he said when asked about an extension to a deal which ends on January 31.

“I have been training hard and hopefully, if the manager at Huddersfield decides he doesn’t want me, then I may stay here.”