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I’m your man, says Byrne
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS & CHRIS LYNHAM
Date online: 27 July 2012
ATHLETIC have added experience to their back line by signing out-of-contract defender Cliff Byrne.
The ex-Scunthorpe skipper (30), who can play at right-back or centre-half, was released by The Iron in May after nine years at Glanford Park.
It represents a major boost for Athletic boss Paul Dickov, whose defensive resources have been thin since the summer departures of Kieran Lee, Reece Brown, Zander Diamond and Paul Black.
In another positive development, the long-running attempt to secure Youssouf Mchangama’s future has been resolved. The midfielder has signed a 12-month deal at Boundary Park.
Dickov is meanwhile expecting his team to be given the roughest ride of pre-season so far at Fleetwood tonight (7.30pm).
The game at Highbury Stadium pits Micky Mellon's men, Blue Square Bet Premier champions last season, against an Athletic side still to discover top form.
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Comments
It's a shrude signing but slight worry as to why he was released by U's at aged 30, he should be at his prime. Just hope the back injury doesn't return & he shows up well against strong opposion. M'Changama impressed me during his short loan spell & looks a good long term prospect in the midfield area of a lightweight squad. I would love to see big Tom Eaves rejoin us, if only on loan, respectful of the high wage demand from a talented striker. Taking shape nicely after the mass exit of players.
Good signing - now for a decent striker.
Good signing but we need at least one Prolific striker PD.
Lookers had a look into the D Reeves saga. He has a clause in his contract which means he can move on a free if a league club approaches. Not one league club offered him a contract which does seem strange so its got to be his injury record. Got to admit I still think hes worth a punt with 40 plus goals scored last year. HAs he had a trial at BP anybody know?
After attending the game on friday i could not be more impressed. Yes it was only a friendly but Fleetwood are on the up & they wanted to make a point ! The fitness levels were very good,the teamwork within the team very good & the players look like they want to prove pundits wrong that they a relegation fodder.Simpson,Furman & Grounds stood out with the rest not far behind.The Portugal trialist looked classy & worked well with Simpson a lot better option than Knight,Hughes & others mentioned.
Have Your Say
Good stuff. Now for another striker. Leon Knight is being rumoured... a 1 in 3 man for Brighton and Swansea between 2003 and 2007... I guess would represent a bit of a risk given his career since... however once had some pedigree as a decent lower league striker. Still only 29. Possibly worth a punt.
By lookerstandandy @ 27/07/2012 12:27:07