Latics speed stars set to be unleashed

FAST STARTER: Jonson Clarke-Harris (left) is as quick over 10 yards as two-time Olympic 100 metres champion Usain Bolt says Athletic boss Lee Johnson.

ATHLETIC will have their own pack of sprint stars next season — including one who can give the fastest man in history a run for his money.

Manager Lee Johnson has named Dutch winger Sidney Schmeltz, the latest addition to his squad, as one of FIVE players whose speed can make a difference next season.

One of the other new men, Jonson Clarke-Harris, is even said to be as rapid over a short stretch as Jamaican track superstar Usain Bolt.

Johnson will want his band of flyers to hit the ground literally running, to trouble opposing defences and improve on last season’s dreadful one per game goal average.

“As well as Schmeltz, add Chris Sutherland, who I am told is very quick; Cristian Montano, who is rapid when he gets going, James Dayton and Jonson Clarke-Harris, who is as quick as Usain Bolt over 10 yards, believe it or not, and you can see we have pace in the side,” Johnson said.

“At our level you have to mix and match. You won’t get players with pace who produce great deliveries all the time. But I felt we needed that outlet of extra, raw pace and Sidney provides that.

“The big question mark over Sidney is can he adapt? In Holland he was used to a 4-3-3 formation, where here he will be 4-4-2. One thing is he will get a lot more touches of the ball over here.

“His fitness is good, and he has a very good attitude, which is important.”

This week Johnson will go to Turkey for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which starts on Friday, one reason for which will be to watch young players who may interest Athletic.

“There are two or three players in a couple of countries who we have the chance of getting if we want them,” Johnson said.

“It is always good to log players as well, so that six months or a year down the line they are still fresh in your mind if they become available.”