Latics go for know-how

RIGHT BEHIND YOU: boss Lee Johnson welcomes defender Brian Wilson to Boundary Park.

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TWO new signings are heading back to their roots at Boundary Park full of league one know-how.

Ex-Bury midfield star Mike Jones and veteran Colchester captain Brian Wilson - a former team-mate of manager Lee Johnson at Bristol City - join Joseph Mills as fresh summer acquisitions.

Jones (26) arrives on a two-year deal having turned down a new contract with Crawley.

The Birkenhead-born player, formerly of Tranmere, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, is a man Red Devils boss John Gregory was keen to keep. But finances and a move back north were in Oldham’s favour.

Johnson now plans to field him in the middle of midfield.

“I’m very excited about the prospect of what could be happening here next season,” Jones said. “The manager is very ambitious and I’m excited to get started.

“His enthusiasm to get me into the club was one of the reasons I signed. He sees me as a central player and thinks he can improve my game, so hopefully we can give it a good go.”

Wilson’s arrival apparently finalises Athletic’s defensive line-up. The 31 year old also arrives on a two-year deal after four years at Colchester.

Originally from Manchester, Wilson started his career with Stoke before moving on to Cheltenham and then Bristol. He has made 387 senior appearances in a 13-year career.

“It’s lovely to be back in the area and as soon as the gaffer got in touch, I jumped at the chance,” Wilson said. “I was offered a contract with Colchester but turned it down. Once I knew Lee Johnson was interested, there was no doubt where I wanted to be. I just can’t wait to get started.”