Fresh faces on New Year agenda

ONE interesting line to emerge from Lee Johnson’s pre-match press conference earlier this week was his hint that the reopening of the transfer window could see plenty of activity at Boundary Park.

Relaxed as ever - despite an understandably brooding atmosphere ahead of the announcement that Cristian Montano was to be sacked - Johnson discussed how the Athletic squad he has shaped needs to be amended further.

“Simon Corney is very generous,” Johnson said. “If the club has it, they will give it up.”

The FA Cup replay triumph at Mansfield will aid Johnson’s efforts and the sacking of Montano, which the player is appealing, has also freed a spot in the squad. Johnson has also stated his intention to bring in another wide player and a striker.

As for outgoings, there remains the chance the club will get an offer for James Tarkowski it is in no position to refuse.

The centre half has had scouts regularly flocking to Athletic’s matches to watch him. At the start of theseason the inquiries were tentative; now his reputation puts him as one of the brightest talents in League One.

In the past Athletic have turned down New Year offers, to keep key players for the rest of the season.

Even if Tarkowski ends up saying goodbye, it need not be all doom and gloom.

Genseric Kusunga slipped under the radar in early September and after a shaky start has gone from strength to strength. And who had heard of Matteo Lanzoni before he came to Oldham?

There are other defenders of the same calibre out there, if need be.