Man on a mission

Photo: PICTURES by TOM PICKLES

POINT TO PROVE . . . Deane Smalley is determined to impress Athletic boss Paul Dickov.

Smalley fired up to regain Latics starting spot
DEANE Smalley was thrust straight back into action for Athletic today.

The winger spent the last month on loan with npower League One rivals Rochdale, but only managed three substitute appearances in his time at Spotland.

A regular for Athletic last season under then-manager Dave Penney, the 22-year-old is keen to show boss Paul Dickov what he is capable of, starting with this afternoon's reserves test at Accrington Stanley (2pm kick-off).

"I have to get my head down, work hard and try to get back in the team," said Smalley.

"I hope to play a couple of reserve-team games to regain my match fitness and then try to force my way back into the squad.

"I don't simply want to be a squad player, but to be in the starting line-up every match and to score goals and provide assists.

"That is the challenge, but one I am looking forward to."

Also in Lee Duxbury's side today were two men who played a part in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Southampton.

Dean Kelly and Ryan Brooke both came on during the second half of the defeat at the St Mary's Stadium.


ATHLETIC hope to put tickets for Saturday week's FA Cup first-round tie at Accrington Stanley on sale tomorrow morning - to season ticket holders only.
The club have been allocated 1,517 tickets for the game at the Crown Ground, of which 116 are seats.

Priced at £13 for adults, £8 for over-60s and £5 for students and under-17s, the tickets should be on sale at the Boundary Park ticket office from 10am and then on Friday and Saturday, until kick-off in the home game against Plymouth.

Season ticket holders will need to produce voucher 'A'.

After the Plymouth game has finished, the tickets will go on open sale.

Because of what is likely to be a big demand at the ticket office on Saturday, the club will open up a cash-only sales point for Accrington tickets in the club shop.