Johnson to shuffle pack for Crewe visit

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY . . . James Dayton is back in training and could be available for Saturday’s home match against Crewe.

MATTHEW CHAMBERS ATHLETIC manager Lee Johnson is promising team changes for the visit of Crewe Alexandra.

While David Mellor is out for three games through suspension for violent conduct on Saturday - with James Wesolowski the likely replacement, there could be a return for James Tarkowski.

The man of the moment, linked with a host of Premier League clubs, has had a precautionary scan on his injured ankle but the problem has apparently eased and it is hoped he will be available for Saturday’s home league game against Crewe.

James Dayton missed the 3-2 defeat at the New York Stadium through injury, though this is not as serious as at first feared and he is on the path back to fitness.

“We can’t keep saying the sob story,” said Johnson. “This will be a hard week and I will see exactly who is going to dig in and who is not.”

Athletic’s staff are not taking the Crewe challenge lightly, even though the side has suffered three goalless defeats in four games.

“I’m expecting a tough game,” Johnson added. “I’ve seen them play two or three times and they are a good side. We just need to get that little bit of luck to make sure we open up our game properly.”


TICKETS for Athletic’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Preston on Tuesday, October 8, are on sale from Boundary Park.
mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk