Boss stays cool over new signings

KEEPING CALM: Lee Johnson has player targets in mind.

LEE Johnson has stressed it won’t be easy to bring in the new faces he wants before the start of the season.

While Athletic seem strong at the front and relatively robust in midfield, there has been speculation that a new centre-back is still needed.

Athletic’s manager is calm about the situation - though he also admits that some elements of building the squad lie outside his control.

“I have in my mind who I’d like to bring in,” he said, “but whether I can depends on the budget and who is actually available.”

The collapse from 4-1 up to a 4-5 loss against Burnley in a midweek friendly has been analysed by Johnson, whose conclusion is that triallists Matteo Piciollo and Erik Langhigna are not of sufficient standard to be offered contracts.

“I have watched the video back and there are a few things that were clear.

“One, the two trialists weren’t good enough. Then, once we took off the front two, the back four looked tired. That can happen with young lads; they have to learn from it.”

Athletic have confirmed the signing of Latvian centre-back Joksts on a 12-month contract.

The 20 year old has joined subject to Football Association permission and international clearance.




ATHLETIC’S televised game with Preston has had its kick-off time amended.



The League One clash on September 9, being shown live on Sky Sports, will start at 7.35pm, 10 minutes earlier than announced.




THE ‘Meet the Manager’ event scheduled for July 24 has been cancelled.



Fans who have bought a icket can get a refund