Latics have much to offer, says James

CONFIDENT: Defender James Tarkowski reckons the new-look squad is a match for any in league one.

JAMES Tarkowski believes the new-look Athletic should fear no-one this season.

In three days manager Lee Johnson sends his teams out for the first match of the new season at Stevenage - and fans are eagerly anticipating the result of Johnson’s astute transfer wheeling and dealing and a five-game unbeaten run in pre-season friendlies.

Tarkowski is brimming with confidence. A local lad who has worked his way through the Athletic ranks, the 20 year old centre-back made his mark last season in 26 appearances. He feels the future is bright for himself and the team.

“I got in just short of 30 appearances last season and now it’s about trying to build on that. If we all play well as a unit I believe we’ve got a really good chance of doing well. If we play at the top of our game, we’re capable of beating anyone in our division.”

“You can see already how much things have changed since the manager came. There’s a lot more football being played, we’ve been exciting to watch and we’re creating chances.”

Tarkowski is feeling a buzz of anticipation about the season; he was with the team at a meet the fans session in Oldham earlier this week.

“It was the third time I’d been to one of the pre-season signing sessions and Monday’s was by far the busiest I’ve known,” he said. “I suppose it’s testament to part of what the gaffer’s trying to do. He wants to get the fans on our side - and that’s just what we need.”

Saturday’s league opener is a potentially-tricky test for Athletic, but Tarkowski is feeling positive ahead of the trip south.

“Stevenage isn’t going to be an easy game. If we carry on the way we’ve been playing recently, though, we should be all right.”