Black targets a flying start

FLAT OUT FOR FITNESS . . . Paul Black (right) is happy to put in the extra hours.

PAUL BLACK is going overtime to get himself ready for pre-season.

The 20-year-old Athletic left-back impressed in the latter half of the season, nailing a place in the first team following Joe Jacobson's absence with a groin problem.

And the Middleton-born former trainee also scored a terrific goal against Southend United a month ago at Boundary Park — his first in senior football — driving the ball into the far bottom corner with his left foot.

Black has carried on coming into the club after the last day of the season.

And the idea is that he maintains his tiptop condition before going on holiday next week, so that when he comes back he can catch the eye of whichever new manager is put in charge of first-team affairs.

“Pre-season is tough and tiring so I would like to be in the best possible shape when we return,” said Black.

“It is even more important this year as there will be a new manager so I want to do well to impress him.

“I have always enjoyed working to keep fit.

“And it is nice to be in good shape when returning to pre-season training so that I am near the front rather than lagging at the back.”

Meanwhile, Athletic haven’t ruled out the possibility of staging second interviews for the vacant managerial position.

Officials at the club talked to 10 hopefuls for the job over a two-day period earlier this week.

Although Athletic would like to name Dave Penney’s successor sooner rather than later, they do not want to rush into any decision and are currently checking references.

But a new man will have his feet firmly under the table at Boundary Park when players return for pre-season training on Monday, June 28.


SUPPORTERS are re-minded that the second phase of discounts for season tickets ends next Thursday. The club shop and ticket office is open tomorrow from 9am to noon.


THE Coca-Cola League One play-off final takes place at Wembley tomorrow, with Millwall and Swindon Town chasing promotion to the Championship.
And Ronnie Moore’s Rotherham meet Dagenham and Red-bridge in the League Two final on Sunday.