Robbie’s goal aim

ROBBIE Simpson is aiming to put to bed his “devastation” six days ago — by sinking his old team-mates with a goal at Boundary Park tomorrow.

The on-loan Athletic winger, who spent the whole of last season with Brentford, missed a good chance in the Leyton Orient victory when heading wide while well-placed in the first half.

But he also claimed an assist and his overall game has certainly added an extra zip to Athletic's attack.

With fitness levels improving, the 26-year-old feels that his first goal for the club may not be far away.

“I tried to get my head around the ball but just couldn’t manage it,” Simpson said. “Looking back, it may have been better to let the ball drop further and volley it instead.

“The back-to-back 90 minutes’ I have played will hopefully stand me in good stead. Hopefully, I can make up for it tomorrow.”

Simpson scored eight times in his loan spell at Griffin Park last term, helping the club in a campaign which featured Carling Cup wins over Hull and Everton and a journey to the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Still in touch with several Brentford players, the ex-Cambridge United and Coventry man is aware of the high hopes the club have of success under new boss Uwe Rosler.

“Things have changed since I was there and the new manager has brought a different structure to the club,” he added.

“They have a new style of football and the lads I have spoken to are confident of reaching the play-offs.”

Athletic manager Paul Dickov, whose son Sam attends the same school as Rosler’s, hopes to get one over on a family friend — after the pair have watched the side they used to play for in action.

“If Uwe wants to come in for a coffee and to watch the Manchester City and Everton game in the office, he is more than welcome,” Dickov said.

“But there are no friends in this game when the whistle blows.

“We have both played against friends and whether you are on the touchline or on the pitch, you just want your team to win.”

With one defeat in the last seven, Athletic welcome back Bradley Diallo from suspension. Filipe Morais and Zander Diamond are also pushing for places, while David Mellor (knee) should be fit.