O what a prospect. says Latics old boy

WE can expect plenty of fireworks when Athletic entertain Leyton Orient on Saturday, according to a man more qualified than most to make that judgment.

Nathan Clarke spent five months at the heart of Paul Dickov’s defence last season on loan, and returns to Boundary Park as skipper of the Os after a stint at Bury and his release by Huddersfield.

While he has already waxed lyrical this week about Dickov’s managerial prowess and the players at his disposal, Clarke is equally enthusiastic about his new surroundings.

“It all makes for a cracking match this weekend,” he said. “Athletic are on a roll and showed a lot of character to salvage a draw against Sheffield United.

“But we have got a lot going for us and I have been impressed since coming here. It should be an entertaining game.”

Clarke has been struck by the management of Orient boss Russell Slade. Slade is a long-term admirer of the 29 year old and had no hesitation in naming him skipper.

“He has a lot of experience and gets his message across clearly and directly,” added Clarke.

“Everything he said about his vision for the club made sense to me and I was impressed straight away.

Orient, 12th in npower League One, bounced back from a 1-0 home defeat by Sheffield United and a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth with a 1-0 midweek victory over struggling Hartlepool.





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