Sheridan so cool

John Sheridan

CLUB director Barry Owen has hailed manager John Sheridan for rescuing Athletic from a 'bad place' midway through last season.

Athletic looked doomed to the drop into Sky Bet League Two when Sheridan returned to SportsDirect.com Park in January, replacing David Dunn.

However, nine wins and six draws from the final 22 games of last term sealed precious safety with a couple of fixtures to spare.

Owen said: "John has been absolutely unbelievable.

"I think we were on 21 points when he came back.

"What a tremendous effect he's had, and to be honest I didn't want the season to end.

"Don't forget we were in a really bad place when he returned.

"As a board we'd made mistakes, and we'd be the first to admit that, but John's appointment has revitalised the club.

"As soon as he came back he knew the club because he'd been here before, and he's been like a breath of fresh air from day one.

"We were starting to doubt ourselves and what we were capable of, but John's attitude was so cool, it put us all at ease.

"It's been remarkable what he's achieved this season."

Meanwhile, former Athletic loanee George Green has earned himself a contract extension at Burnley having seemingly put off-the-field issues behind him.

Having been released by Everton as a youngster and then making only four appearances during an unsuccessful spell with Athletic, Green (20) has since impressed Turf Moor chiefs and has now been offered, and signed, a new one-year deal.