Johnson throws down gauntlet to Latics youngsters

DEFENDER James Tarkowski had the most experience in the first team of Athletic’s young contingent of players last season.

ATHLETIC’S young professionals have been warned by manager Lee Johnson there is no room for slackers at Boundary Park.

James Tarkowski, David Mellor, Kirk Millar and Carl Winchester have all had offers to extend their current professional deals. A fifth former member of the youth set-up, Glenn Belezika, has had the option of an extra year taken up.

It could be that one or two of them will be loaned out for experience next season, said Johnson.

He said in the past, early days as a pro were akin to a training period - but no more.

“It’s vital that when they come back for pre-season it is as men and not as boys,” he said.

Speculation is rife among fans about players who will remain at Boundary Park and those who will leave. Johnson accepts some men may wait around for offers, but says deadlines will be set.

“It is a case of being honest with them,” added the manager, who is already bombarded with calls from agents. “There are what seems like a million players out there. Already I know there are a lot of high quality players who want to come here next season.”

Dean Bouzanis has left the club after not being offered a new contract; discussions with fellow ’keeper Alex Cisak continue - the club has an option to extend his deal for another season.

But the ’keeper expressed his dissatisfaction with life at Boundary Park while on loan at Portsmouth, and the signs are he will not end up filling the void left by Bouzanis.

“There are other goalkeepers out there; these are early days,” said Johnson.



ATHLETIC have finalised plans for a pre-season friendly. The team will face Accrington Stanley on July 23.



ATHLETIC have appointed 41-year-old Failsworth coach Simon Cooper as full-time youth development coach, working with youngsters from 11-16. Cooper, formerly head of youth recruitment at Accrington Stanley, will also have involvement with the youth team.