All positions up for grabs

Last updated : 04 August 2008 By Dave Moore
John Sheridan was not impressed with the display of the team in the 1-0 defeat at Bradford on Saturday. He warned his players that all positions are up for grabs. He told Latics World, "Our fitness is getting better and the most important thing now is that we get ready for the Millwall game on Saturday. I know it was only a friendly, but at times we didn't look sharp enough and I expect more. The players know that no-one is guaranteed a starting place, and there's a number of players who should think they're in with a chance. People like Lewis Alessandra and Stefan Stam might think they're not going to be in my first eleven but that's not neccessarily the case. We were beaten by a typical scrappy pre-season goal and I don't like losing."

"I'm trying to sort something out (regarding Demar Phillips) at the moment. I've spoken to Stoke and hopefully something will happen. Demar wants to come and I want to bring him here, so now it's down to his wages." Trialist John Hills who played at Bradford will not be joining Athletic as Sheridan has confirmed that he will not be following up his interest.