Let’s end on a high note, says Mvoto

JEAN-YVES MVOTO would like to be part of Athletic’s plans for next season.

TOWERING defender Jean-Yves Mvoto wants to stay at Athletic and help the club push for promotion next season.

The 22-year-old Sunderland stopper, in his second loan spell after his first stint was interrupted by injury, says his time at Boundary Park been the most fruitful of his career.

And if a deal can be thrashed out after tomorrow’s end-of-season clash with MK Dons, he is more than happy to remain an integral part of manager Paul Dickov’s set-up.

The Scot has confirmed talks are ongoing and it is “possible” Mvoto will return.

Mvoto said: “I am interested in staying here — my agent and I are very open to offers.

“At the moment my focus is on the last match of the season, and then we will see what happens in May and June.

“I enjoy playing here and would love to be part of a promotion push next time.

“This has been a very important year for my career because I have played more matches than ever, which has helped me improve parts of my game.

“Reuben Hazell has also been a great partner in central defence. He talks to me all the time and makes me find the right position.”

Athletic supporters have also impacted on the Frenchman’s desire to stay where he is, particularly after Trust Oldham made him their player of the season.

“That was my first trophy in English football so it meant a lot,” added Mvoto.

“I want to say a big thank-you to the fans for backing me.”

The centre-half fully expects to shake off the after-effects of the head injury he suffered during the 2-0 win at Swindon, which required four stitches during a 12-minute absence from the pitch.

And he has dismissed suggestions that the visitors, who can move up a place in the play-off standings with a victory, have more to play for than Athletic.

He said: “It is the last game of the season and it is at home, so we want to win for the fans. We do not want to disappoint them.

“The boys are disappointed to be finishing mid-table after making such a good start, so we will do everything we can to win the battle against MK Dons.”

Mvoto believes Dickov’s men can establish themselves as genuine promotion candidates next term.

“We have a good squad already, but maybe we need more players to come in and provide competition in training and for selection on matchday,” he added.