Inside track

Reporter: Simon Smedley
Date published: 10 October 2014


JABO Ibehre believes his extensive knowledge of the third tier of English football will help him become a scoring success at new club Athletic.

The imposing front-man— a long-term target of boss Lee Johnson — signed from Colchester United on a 93-day loan deal until January 10.

The 31-year-old former Leyton Orient, MK Dons and Walsall forward has joined from the U’s goes straight into the squad to face the Saddlers at SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow.

Ibehre has been hampered by niggling injuries of late and hadn’t scored in six appearances earlier this term, but he is fighting fit now and determined to make his mark at Athletic.

Islington-born Ibehre, who was Colchester’s player-of-the-year last season, said: “I had a really positive chat with the manager and the team are going well in the league, so I just want to contribute towards hopefully more success.

“I played with Brian Wilson last season and he told me a bit about the buzz surrounding Oldham. The spirit in the squad is fantastic and I can’t wait to be a part of that.

“I’ve been in this division for a while now, and with that experience you do get to know what it takes to do well.”

If Ibehre is handed the nod to make his debut against Walsall tomorrow he will face men he played alongside in 2008-09, again in League One, when he scored 10 goals in 39 appearances.

He added: “I’ve experienced playing against former teams before, and though it’ll be a battle against Walsall, I’m sure I’ll shake hands with everyone afterwards.

“They’re a younger side now than they were when I was there, and they like to play good, passing football.”

Athletic manager Johnson is delighted with his new charge, who has now scored 89 goals in almost 500 senior appearances stretching back 14 years.

Johnson said: “I’ve always liked Jabo, he’s a good guy, and what he brings is an ability to turn defence into attack quickly.”