Keeping busy

ALEX Cisak’s departure has intensified Athletic’s hunt for two new goalkeepers.

Yesterday morning the 24 year old had been set to stay at Boundary Park for another 12 months following the club’s decision to take up a contract option.

But the situation changed dramatically in the afternoon when the deal was torn up in the interests of both parties - leaving Cisak free to find a new club. Cisak made 59 appearances over two seasons before falling out of favour.

With Dean Bouzanis and Liam Jacob gone, cutting Athletic’s Aussie contingent to just James Wesolowski, Johnson is exploring his options.

“We are looking to bring two goalies in,” he told the Chronicle. “Do we bring in a loan from the Premier League and have two young ’keepers battling it out to be number two?

“Or do we bring in someone with potential who would go on to be a sellable commodity? These are the sorts of dilemmas you have as a manager.”



Another player set for the exit door, providing Scunthorpe can arrange finances, is veteran defender Cliff Byrne.

The player spent most of his career at Glanford Park, where he was captain and had a testimonial at the end of 2011-12.

“I’ve got to have a look at manoeuvring people before anything can happen,” Iron boss Brian Laws said.

“I’d love to bring him in if we can.”