Shez: right man in a crisis

Photo: Alan Howarth

AT THE HELM . . . John Sheridan looks on at Valley Parade during his first game back in charge of Latics. Picture by ALAN HOWARTH.

TONY Philliskirk believes the can-do attitude of John Sheridan could be crucial to Athletic’s hopes of surviving in Sky Bet League One this season.

The long-standing academy manager first worked on the same coaching team as Sheridan with Athletic over 15 years ago. While the duo’s stint together at Bradford seems likely to be a one-time thing — Kevin Russell has been strongly linked with the assistant manager’s job — Philliskirk says the return of Sheridan has already had a positive effect - one that could be long lasting.

“John is very big on trying to generate a positive atmosphere around the place and that has been evident,” said Philliskirk. “I knew John when he was here before and we worked together with the youth team for a time.

“I’ll do anything to help the club, so when John asked me if I would lend a hand, I was only too happy to.”

There was no doubt, he said, that Sheridan’s decisions to play three centre-backs at Valley Parade, and to keep two men up front even when down to 10 men were down to the new manager.

“I was only really there at Bradford to do the warm-up and be on the bench: John was very much in charge of the side and rightly so,” Philliskirk added.

“The red card for Connor Brown was massive in the game and the goal we conceded was very disappointing.

“To be fair to the manager, he could have gone to a 4-1-4-1 formation but we went for it. In the end we had three up front trying to get something from the game and Bradford looked nervous.”

Athletic are back in action at home to Bury on Saturday in a contest officials hope will draw a big audience.

Sheridan’s task is to end a barren run of 12 league games without a home win. He hopes to add new faces to the squad this week in order to boost his chances.