7th December 1999
7th December 1999 STUART THOM is aiming for a Christmas comeback from the horror injury he suffered in a clash with his own goalkeeper. Thom was flattened by Gary Kelly in the home match against Luton two months ago, landing on a shoulder and breaking his collarbone. The accidental collision — which occurred as both players tried to clear the ball — was the second unlucky break of Thom’s season after a fractured toe ruled him out earlier. Add a one-match ban carried over from the previous campaign and it’s hardly surprising that he can’t wait to be back in action. “I was starting to play well in pre-season, but I’ve only managed five games,” Thom said. “It has been a really frustrating time and I’m glad to be back on course. “I do remember most of what happened when I got this injury. I saw it on TV quite a lot when I was in hospital. “I remember the Luton lad going through and thinking that, because we were 1-0 up with not long to go, I had to get to him. “I saw Kells coming at me and I tried to avoid him but, unfortunately, he took me out. “It was just one of those things and he rang me in hospital afterwards to see how I was.” To make matters worse, Kelly’s rush of blood also led to a Luton equaliser. But Athletic grabbed a late winner after Thom was carried off in distress and have been in better form ever since. The long-term absence has brought an unexpected chance for Mark Hotte at the heart of defence, adding to the competition Thom will face on his return. But the former Notts Forest man, whose 23rd birthday is on December 27, will be ready for the challenge once he has regained full movement in his neck and shoulders. “The hard work will start when I can get back on to the pitch, which I hope will be by Christmas,” he said. “But I can look forward to it now — and anything is better than being in the treatment room.”
AFTER 24 games in league and cup, now seems a good time to assess Athletic’s season so far. And, though it can hardly be described as a roaring success, there are definite signs of progress at Boundary Park. The campaign so far splits neatly into two halves. The first couple of months were depressing and, at times, downright awful. But the last two have revealed a strength of character which has seen Athletic taking points against the odds — a priceless asset and one they need to hold on to as, despite the recent run, they are still looking down the table, rather than up. Relegation, of course, hovers menacingly over their shoulders. Having stared that frightening prospect in the face only last May, they have all the motivation they need to avoid another battle to the death. In many ways, manager Andy Ritchie is papering over the cracks. He doesn’t have a striker who can guarantee 20 goals a season, he is short of cover in certain positions and, with no money to spend, there is little room for error when he does occasionally bring in a new player. But Ritchie’s personality is one of quiet conviction and a sure sense of purpose — and that is rubbing off on his team. Since making the worst start in the club’s history, Athletic have become a triumph of determination over deficiency. They also have a settled system which the players enjoy and a handful of individuals who can rise above the blood and thunder — or the thud and blunder — of a poor division. If they can improve their home form and keep key players fit, Athletic should have no problems whatsoever in staying up. Their record at Boundary Park is the area which needs to be addressed most urgently. Otherwise, a squad which — to this observer — isn’t far off challenging for next season’s play-offs will again be embroiled in a scrap which does nothing for morale either on the field or, just as crucially, off it. Athletic have so far named 29 players in their matchday squads, all but nine of them aged 21 or under. Fifteen have reached an arbitrary cut-off point of playing at least 11 games, showing that, fitness permitting, Ritchie has a good idea of his number-one line-up. Those players are:
GARY KELLY — At many clubs, talented back-up ’keeper David Miskelly would already be in the side. Not so at Athletic, where Kelly continues as the undoubted number one. After a shaky spell last season, he has been excellent so far and has earned points with saves of genuine international class.
NEIL ADAMS — The returning favourite didn’t look totally at ease in a three-man midfield and, until being switched to right wing-back in October, had not made the most of his crossing ability. Was beginning to find more positive form until a hamstring strain ended his ever-present record.
ANDREW HOLT — A fixture on the left and with enough natural ability to draw scouts from several big clubs this season. Has usually been solid in defence, but isn’t exploiting his full attacking potential and is yet to score. Would probably be a better player if he realised how good he was.
SHAUN GARNETT — Has his critics, but he doesn’t claim to be Beckenbauer. Garnett is an organiser and a battler whose presence was missed following a double hernia operation. Most sides in this division have a big striker and Garnett is doing a good job neutralising them.
SCOTT McNIVEN — Moved into the middle of defence early in the season and has been a revelation. He is delighting his manager by showing good sense and awareness in covering across the backline. Distribution has noticeably improved as confidence has grown in the last three months. The only man to play every second of every game.
RICHARD GRAHAM — Took a while to find his feet after a nine-month lay-off but was gradually doing so before a back problem flared up. The stylish defender was also suffering soreness in his knee after games and his overall condition must be a concern. If fully fit, he would be a huge asset.
LEE DUXBURY — Much of Duxbury’s work in midfield is going unnoticed as John Sheridan has increasingly become Athletic’s pivotal figure. Though not always at his best this term, the captain remains a vital cog in the machine.
JOHN SHERIDAN — When the veteran hasn’t been there to prompt them, Athletic have looked lost. That suggests an over-reliance on one player and Sheridan’s team-mates do automatically seek him out when other avenues might be preferable. That’s not his fault, though. Vying with McNiven and Kelly to be the star of the show so far.
PAUL RICKERS — As always, has been shuffled around the side without getting an extended run in his best position of central midfield. Work rate continues to make him a valuable man to have around — he has missed only one game — but he should probably score more goals.
MARK ALLOTT — The top scorer with seven goals has been involved in every match, starting 21 out of 24, and is having his best season to date. Inconsistency, however, remains a problem. The reason for that seems to be fragile confidence — he is playing better away from home where the weight of expectation doesn’t get him down.
CRAIG DUDLEY — Is quickly becoming a crowd favourite as everyone loves a fast, exciting striker. Still raw but, at 20, Dudley has quickly established himself as a possible star of the future. He genuinely enjoys playing for Athletic and, along with Sheridan, could become Ritchie’s best signing.
STEVE WHITEHALL — Finally free from injury and beginning to show the goalscorer’s instinct which persuaded Athletic to sign him. Has chipped in with four goals despite only a handful of starts. Although his return coincided with the end of the drought, he has yet to reach peak form.
MARK INNES — Has probably been the biggest disappointment of the campaign. In hindsight, it may have been unfair to expect so much of a player with so little experience. Innes has shown only fleeting glim-pses of his obvious flair and, for the moment, wouldn’t make Ritchie’s first-choice team.
MATTHEW TIPTON — Unable to break into a competitive frontline and yet to make the progress expected of him a couple of years ago. The 19-year-old is highly skilful and has quite a bag of tricks but, in his brief appearances, he has hardly set foot inside the box. Why?
MARK HOTTE — Answered a crisis call in defence and has done a steady job as stand-in. Although he is unlikely to keep his place when others are available, Hotte is quick and as hard as nails.
In the second half of the season, Athletic will also hope to call upon Paul Beavers, who can offer something different as a target man if he works on his fitness. Stuart Thom will also come into contention after recovering from a broken collarbone. Along with the youngsters on whom he must pin his hopes, that is the pool of players Ritchie has at his disposal as he attempts to reverse the slide. Athletic have a tough schedule in the coming weeks and must make absolutely sure that they don’t revert to the toothless, compliant form with which they staggered into the season. They are currently at something of a cross-roads. The direction they take could decide their fate not only for the rest of this season, but well after the turn of the century.