Net profit for Chubs

WE CAN WORK IT OUT: Paul Rachubka (left) and manager Lee Johnson.

PAUL Rachubka believes he has come back stronger for his time on the sidelines for Athletic.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper would have started a second consecutive game last night at Barnsley - if the game had gone ahead.

Cast out of the side when Paddy Kenny came on loan a month ago, Rachubka revealed how a head-to-head with manager Lee Johnson led to his doing the sort of work that wouldn’t have been possible while playing.

And after featuring from the start against Crewe after Kenny reported a groin problem, Chronicle columnist Rachubka isn't looking back.

“I had a chat with the manager when Paddy Kenny came in and it was decided I would work on a few things during my time out.

“I did the sort of work on the training pitch that wouldn't have been possible had I been playing. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead. I want to have consistency in my game – just as every player does – and fitness-wise and technique-wise, the time was used productively.

“At 33-years-old, I still feel I can improve a lot as a player. That commitment to get better applies as much to someone young like Carl Winchester, say, as it does to me or George Elokobi with all the experience we have.”

Athletic are next in action on January 10, when Doncaster visit SportsDirect.com Park.



ATHLETIC'S home game against Rochdale will be played on January 20. The fixture was originally down for this Saturday, but couldn't be played due to Dale's involvement in the third round of the FA Cup.

Rochdale fans have been given the large section of the Verlin Stand, so Athletic supporters who usually sit in that stand will need to relocate.