Friendships go out of the window tomorrow afternoon for Ollie Banks as he faces his former side Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.
It’s the first time the midfielder has returned to Chesterfield, a club he served for three years between 2013-2016.
Banks, who made the switch to SportsDirect.com Park in the summer, still has friends in Chesterfield but is fully focused on gaining three points for Athletic tomorrow afternoon.
He said: “It’s a place where I spent three years so it’s a good club and I’ve got a lot of friends there but that will go out of the window on Saturday.
"They have offloaded a couple of players on deadline day so a couple of threats of left. They have Ched Evans up top who can be anything on his day.
“He can bang a few goals in but if we keep him quiet we will be alright."
Banks has appeared in the last two games under manager John Sheridan and he spoke about the difference the new gaffer has had on the squad.
“The lads are really enjoying the training under the new gaffer and hopefully we can continue to pick up results.
“He’s not specifically spoken to players much, he’s not been here that long but maybe that will happen soon."
Sheridan managed to add to his side on deadline day with the additions of Tope Obadeyi, Aiden O’Neill and Chris Taylor and Banks knows he has to be on his toes to keep his place in the side.
“I know little bits about their game but not a lot,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with them, seeing what they can bring and hopefully they can strengthen the team.
“There has been competition for places all season. There hasn’t been many lads who have started every game this season but it’s important that players keep ticking over.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.