Rhys pumped up for Latics switch

A RUSH to a Wetherspoons pub was instrumental in Rhys Murphy sealing his £20,000 move to Athletic on transfer deadline day.

The Dagenham striker needed a fax and scanner to complete the paperwork formalities required - and the pub chain came to the rescue

“It was a late one, so Rhys had to make sure he had access to a fax and scanner. A hotel let him down as they wouldn't let him do it. So he ended up in Wetherspoons.”

Johnson is hoping Murphy will be in the mix for Saturday’s trip to Scunthorpe after a delayed journey to meet his new team-mates.

Added Johnson: “He could be available for Saturday, there’s no doubting that. He was stuck on the motorway for five hours, so couldn't come in to meet everybody on Tuesday.”

The manager revealed that his assistant Tommy Wright was a big factor in the swoop for Murphy.

“Tommy has seen him a lot,” said Johnson. “I had a look at him and Dean Holden and I went to see him against Cambridge United. It was a good situation for us as he was coming to the end of his contract.

“Okay, he’s coming back from an injury, which is a risk, but we know he is a good player who has pedigree. He has a fantastic character and mindset, which is what we want.”