Race for pace

Photo: Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

ATHLETIC front man Matt Smith is likely to miss tomorrow’s trip to Shrewsbury Town.

Irons in the fire to boost strike force
RAW pace is likely to be a prime consideration when Lee Johnson starts to add to the Athletic squad.

The new manager has already made enquiries about bringing in fresh blood ahead of the loan window closure at the end of the month.

Matt Smith probably won’t be in consideration for tomorrow’s trip to Shrewsbury.

“I’d rather he came back flying than force it (his injured knee) and break down again,” Johnson said.

With Chris Iwelumo the other frontline strike option with Dan Taylor, Athletic’s boss is likely to target a forward who covers ground quickly.

“There are things going on, but at the same time I have a lot of trust in the squad.

“At the moment I am thinking about getting the best out of this group. Possibly one, maybe two may come in, depending on how the game goes tomorrow.”

The picture is similar on the quest for Johnson’s right-hand man, where there are several factors including the need to complement existing staff.

“An awful of people want to come and do it,” he said of the vacant role. “It is proving quite difficult, as they have different qualities.

“This (coaching) group has been really good and we have gelled quickly. At the moment, we are bouncing off each other really well so I don’t want to rush it.”