Dickov looks to bolster squad

ATHLETIC could add to their squad before the November 25 deadline for emergency loan signings — if they manage to ship out a couple of players.

Chesterfield have borrowed Deane Smalley and Kelvin Lomax, Sean Gregan is at Fleetwood Town, while Rob Purdie is back at old club Hereford United, where he has scored three goals in as many games.

But transfer-listed trio Greg Fleming, Joe Jacobson and Jon Worthington are yet to seal loan moves.

Athletic boss Paul Dickov said: “We are hopeful there will be ins and outs before the deadline, but things can change very quickly.

“We are trying to get a couple out, and if that happens, maybe we could bring one in.

“It is no secret that we are always talking to clubs and players, and when we do, we attempt to promote what this club is all about.

“I am looking for the right player with the right mentality.”

Athletic’s early exit from the FA Cup, following a 3-2 defeat at Accrington Stanley, made slashing the wage bill a priority at Boundary Park.

The club will be hoping scouts have been impressed by Fleming, Jacobson and Worthington in recent reserve team matches.

As for potential arrivals, Athletic will probably look to bolster a forward line hit by injuries at various points in the season to Djeny Bembo-Leta, Dean Kelly, Ryan Brooke and Warren Feeney.