Latics wrap up Stephens deal

Dale Stephens

PROMISING young midfielder Dale Stephens is officially an Athletic player after completing his move from Bury.

Stephens couldn’t sign for the Boundary Park side until his Shakers deal ran out on July 1, but he has now put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

He is viewed as an exciting prospect and was being watched by several other clubs despite playing only a handful of times in the Football League.

Stephens spent part of last season on loan at Droylsden in the Blue Square Premier, but it was his outstanding FA Cup display for Bury against Southampton which prompted Athletic to follow up their interest.

They had an offer refused in January before going back for the 20-year-old shortly after the campaign ended.

Stephens informed Bury he was turning down a new contract and, as the clubs could not agree a compensation package, his transfer fee will be decided by tribunal, on a date to be arranged.

Stephens is among 23 full-time professionals now in training with Athletic, but at least one more name will be added before the first league game at home to Millwall on August 9.

Boss John Sheridan is yet to end his search for a left-back, and a foray into the long-term loan market is not being ruled out.

At the moment, Sheridan’s squad includes three goalkeepers in Mark Crossley, Greg Fleming and Josh Bell.

Defensively, he can call upon Sean Gregan, Reuben Hazell, Neal Eardley, John Thompson, Stefan Stam, Kelvin Lomax, Paul Black and Kieran Lee, who also plays in midfield.

Other midfielders or wingers are Mark Allott, Dale Stephens, JP Kalala, Andy Liddell, Chris Taylor and Danny Whitaker.

Deane Smalley is an option out wide or through the middle, where Athletic have strikers Craig Davies, Lee Hughes, Chris O’Grady, Matt Wolfenden and Lewis Alessandra.