Gregan waits to learn fate

Sean Gregan (right) hoping for a new deal.

OUT-OF-CONTRACT Athletic captain Sean Gregan admits it is a period of great uncertainty not knowing if he is to be offered a new deal.

The 35-year-old defender has yet to hear whether he is to be given an extension as his existing agreement ends next month.

Gregan, who has spent almost three seasons at Boundary Park, said: “I haven’t heard a thing and it is an uncertain period.

“It’s the first time in my career that I have been out of contract. Don’t get me wrong, I’m 35 and I know I am not going to get clubs offering me three-year deals.

“But I’d like to think I’ve show I can still play at this level and, as I have said before, I would like to stay at this club.”

Gregan admits his form suffered earlier this season through various personal issues which he admits affected him both professionally and privately.

But he says once they were resolved he has been pleased with his level of performances in the second half of the campaign.

Indeed, Joe Royle singled out Gregan as the outstanding player of his nine-match stint as caretaker manager.

Royle added that he has also recommended to Athletic’s owners and new manager Dave Penney that Gregan ought to be offered a new contract.

Gregan kicked off his career at Darlington, but shot to prominence playing for Preston. He appeared in the Premier League during his stint at West Brom and arrived at Boundary Park from Leeds United early in the 2006/07 season.

Gregan forged a solid partnership with Reuben Hazell at the heart of Athletic’s back line in the season just finished.

Oldham Athletic Supporters Association is holding a quiz night in the sponsors suite at Boundary Park on Monday (7.30pm). The cost is £1 per person with up to six people on a team.