Town clash excites new manager

New Oldham Athletic manager Stephen Robinson at SportsDirect.com Park.

STEPHEN Robinson admits that his first friendly is arriving sooner than is ideal, though it does offer a chance to take a look at potential recruits.

Huddersfield Town arrive at SportsDirect.com Park at the end of what is likely to be a busy week for Robinson and his staff, recruitment-wise.

Ian Baraclough is set to step in as Robinson's assistant ­- the pair worked together at Motherwell ­- with Carlo Nash to be installed as goalkeeper coach.

"The Huddersfield game is exciting for me. We are very much at the start of what we will be doing and in reality, it has probably come a little bit too early.

"It gives us a chance to blood some players, look at some trialists and start building for the season."

Robinson also insisted that Baraclough, who was his boss for a spell at Fir Park, is the best man for the job.

"I don't bring people in to make up numbers. I bring people in who I think will benefit the club," he added. "Ian is a fantastic."

Timothee Dieng played as a trialist for Bradford on Saturday in their 1-1 draw at Guiseley and two of his former team-mates are on the move.

Theo Vassell has signed a one-year contract with Walsall and Rhys Tuner has moved to Morecambe on a two-year contract.

Goalkeeper Luke Simpson (21), released by Watford, was back at Athletic on trial from today.