Tarky loan deal dead in the water

James Tarkowski: doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing him again at Boundary Park

THE JAMES Tarkowski saga appears to be over, with Athletic accepting defeat in the effort to bring him back to Boundary Park on loan.

The cash that would have paid for the move is staying in manager Lee Johnson’s pocket for now.

In spite of a gentleman’s agreement with Brentford to allow the defender to return to Athletic on emergency loan, radio silence from the West London club and a conversation between Johnson and his former player indicate the move won’t happen.

“I’m not in the know as much as I should be on it. I have made numerous calls to try to find out the situation,” said Athletic’s manager, who travelled south today ahead of tomorrow’s clash at MK Dons.

“I spoke to Tarky on Wednesday night and he informed me he has been told he is staying there. It means there’s another wage there to go and get what we need.”

It appears unlikely that, following plenty of activity in the January window, more new players will be arriving soon.

When John Paul Kissock ran on to the field in the 89th minute at Swindon, he became the 35th different player used in the first team by Athletic this season. Johnson feels that’s too many.

“It isn’t something I’ve enjoyed this year, the number of players we have had to use.

“But you are trying to find a winning formula. When you are top of the league, you keep the same 11 every week and when you are not, you change it.

“At this level, it is horses for courses a lot of the time. There are not too many differences between individuals in your squad and it is trying to find a group that can be consistent.”

Athletic are hopeful James Wesolowski will be fit to turn out at Stadium MK this weekend.