Mellor time

CENTRE-BACK: James Tarkowski played at the heart of the Athletic defence last night alongside David Mellor

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VERSATILE David Mellor is at the head of the queue to join James Tarkowski in the centre of defence when the new season gets underway on Saturday week.

The 20 year old has been better known as a midfield player during his brief Athletic career, but his defensive display in last night’s 1-1 draw at Accrington suggested he could be the answer to a problem position for manager Lee Johnson.

Johnson said of Mellor after the game: “There are a couple of little things we have to go over, but they are only technical points while he gets used to the position. As regards playing out from the back, you won’t get better in the division this season.”

Johnson admitted he hoped to bring in another defender before the start of the league season, but it might not be the experienced campaigner some have suggested Athletic need.

“At our level, if you get experience it tends to come with a lack of mobility,” he said. “In an ideal world you would have an experienced player who is good on the ball - but that costs money we haven’t got..”

Mellor and Tarkowski formed a promising partnership last night, just as they did in Saturday’s defeat of Macclesfield.

But Tarkowski had to make some telling last-ditch tackles as Accrington played the ball over the top in the second half.

Said Johnson: “That is going to happen. If you want to play a high-pressure game, that means having a high line.

“Over the course of a season it will be more beneficial to us than sitting deep and trying not to lose.”