Latics deal a big surprise - Poleon

Photo: Darren Robinson

EYE ON THE BALL: Dominic Poleon is convinced he can make an impact.

DOMINIC Poleon has attracted comparisons with Victor Moses and, this week, Britt Assombalonga.

Meeting the press in the board room at SportsDirect.com Park for the first time, Athletic’s newest striker smiled when asked about the latter example.

“It’s a nice compliment for him to give me,” said the 20 year old, of manager Lee Johnson’s suggestion his new signing could potentially develop into a player of similar calibre to £5million man Assombalonga by this time next year.

“To be honest, I am really just looking forward to improving my game and getting time on the pitch. I haven’t had that at Leeds.”

The statistics bear that out: of 37 appearances in just over two seasons in the Leeds first team, 31 were as a substitute.

“At Leeds, the goals I scored came when I started in games,” said Poleon. “It’s always hard when you are on the bench. Then when you do get on, score and still don’t start the next game it is going to be difficult for anyone to take.

“Coming here, starting some games and getting some goals is the idea. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Poleon’s anticipated debut against Fleetwood at SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow will be his first start this season.

Poleon told the Yorkshire Post today he had expected to remain in the Championship with Leeds, signing a new deal and joining Athletic on loan. He accused Leeds of reneging on an offer to extend his contract past next summer, leading him to put in a transfer request on Monday afternoon.

“Leeds rejected the request and it seemed I was going to be kept here (Leeds) and not involved,” he said.

He ended up moving in the final hour of the transfer window, stepping down a level to sign for Athletic permanently.

“It’s crazy,” he admitted of the £50,000 transfer. “I was sitting in front of the TV watching deals go through and then got a phone call saying I might be involved.

“My agent rang to let me know Leeds had accepted a deal. Before I knew it, I was here having a medical and getting it all done before the window shut.

“The manager sealed it for me. He showed faith and interest and that is always a nice feeling to have, someone believing in you. Hopefully, I can repay him on the pitch.”