Ormerod out to make an impact

BRETT ORMEROD: welcomed by Latics assistant boss Tommy Wright

BRETT ORMEROD is aiming to blast Athletic back to the top of League One after completing his move from Preston.

The experienced striker – who needs just one more goal to reach a career century – could be involved in up to seven league games during his initial month on loan.

It starts with the hotly-anticipated match against second-placed Leicester at Boundary Park on Saturday.

And 31-year-old Ormerod, formerly with Athletic’s big rivals Blackpool, is fit and raring to go.

He said: “It has been frustrating not playing for Preston this season, but I’ll be ready if I play on Saturday.

“Oldham have had a good start to the season and I had no hesitation in signing. Hopefully I can help them win plenty more games.

“I don’t expect to walk into the side, especially after a 4-0 win at the weekend, because there are a lot of good strikers at the club.

“I’ve come here to play some football and the Leicester game is a big one, so fingers crossed I’ll be involved.

“I heard about Oldham’s interest over the weekend and I’m at the stage of my career where I don’t want to be travelling around the country sitting in the stand.

“I’m hoping to be involved regularly, play a few games and help Oldham get where they want to go.

“I know there are good, experienced players here, and I’ve been around for a while myself – I’m probably a bit wiser than I used to be, a bit more mature.

“Dropping down a division doesn’t worry me because I did it at Nottingham Forest near the end of last season and we won promotion. If there’s one thing I can guarantee, I will be giving Oldham 100 per cent.”

Ormerod will go straight into Athletic’s squad to face Leicester, while Sean Gregan returns from suspension and Neal Eardley will also be back.

Eardley played 90 minutes for Wales under-21s last night as they drew 2-2 with England in the European Championship play-offs. The result at Villa Park meant a 5-4 aggregate defeat for Eardley’s side.

Lewis Alessandra scored for Athletic’s reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup last night, but Manchester United hit back to win 2-1 courtesy of goals by Matthew James and Sam Hewson.

Kieran Lee played for 74 minutes on his comeback from injury and there were run-outs for several first-team squad members, including Deane Smalley, Chris O’Grady, Kevin Maher and Greg Fleming.

* Athletic remind season-ticket holders in the Leesfield Developments Stand (Rochdale Road End) that they will be relocated to the small section for Saturday’s game with Leicester.

Fans are asked to visit Boundary Park as soon as possible to exchange their seats.