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BALTIC BEAUTY: Latvia could be one destination for Athletic in the build-up to next season. Picture: BBC

Latics have pre-season trip options

KEEP the dates free in your diary... and prepare for a European adventure, Athletic manager Lee Johnson is telling supporters.

He is busy nailing down arrangements for a pre-season trip in the second week of July — and has several options.

Athletic could be heading to Latvia, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland — or even Torquay.

One possibility involves a pair of Russian clubs coming to play friendlies at Boundary Park, which will be broadcast live in Eastern Europe.

“We have been speaking to an airline over a package deal: we charter a plane and get a discount on accommodation,” said Johnson on the Latvia connection - the country whose national team was once coached by his father, Gary.

“If that doesn't come off, there is the possibility of a couple of Russian sides coming over to play us.

“Those games would be televised - and the television money would fund matches for us in Austria and Switzerland.

“The other option is to remain in the UK and go somewhere like Torquay, Ireland or Scotland.”

Last season under Paul Dickov, Athletic took in a week-long, warm-weather training camp at the Brown’s resort in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Two pre-season friendlies have so far been arranged: Accrington Stanley play host to Johnson’s side on July 23 (7.30pm) and Huddersfield Town visit Boundary Park on July 27 (3pm).

Johnson is at last hoping to appoint an assistant manager - in three weeks: “I have spoken to a couple of people now and it is getting closer,” he said. “By June 1, I am hoping to have someone in.”