Athletic manager Ronnie Moore has drawn up two lists of potential transfer targets for next season even though he does not know which division his side will be playing in. Moore said, “It is hard making plans not knowing whether we will be playing again at this level or the one above. I have drawn up two short lists of players, one if we are promoted the other if we stay where we are. But by possibly having to wait until the end of May it is inevitable that I will lose one or two players by having to hang about. If we do go up everybody knows we will need to bring in more new players than if we are staying at this level."
One of Moore's targets is known to be Port Vale midfielder Michael Cummins (pictured) and Moore said, “I have spoken to Cummins' agent so I know where that story has come from. We had an interest in Cummins last summer, but since then he has picked up one or two injuries. I am interested in anybody who will make us a better side and if he can make us better then I am interested.”
Moore also had a pop at Athletic's “hostile” fans by saying, “As a manager I know how difficult it is to be patient, but I would ask the fans to show patience. We need supporters to stay behind us, particularly if we were to go a goal down early on. It is vital that everybody sticks together because our next five games are so important to the club. What happened the last time we played Barnsley provides a massive drive for me because one or two of the things which were said were unjust. We learned from that defeat and have since had a good season which could become even better. But with supporters as hostile as ours can be, we know we have to perform well week in, week out. I think it will be an open game because a draw doesn't suit either of us with Nottingham Forest closing in fast.”
