Purdie keen to grab chance

ROB PURDIE (right) with Latics manager Dave Penney.

NEW-SIGNING Rob Purdie is relishing the challenge of stepping up to Coca-Cola League One after becoming Dave Penney’s first signing as Athletic manager.

Penney returned to former-club Darlington to capture the 26-year-old utility player who has agreed a two-year deal.

Purdie, the supporters’ player of the year at Darlington in the season just ended, said: “My ambition is to play as high as I can, and I am confident I can play in League One. Presumably the manager believes that, which is why he has brought me in.

“I am looking to better myself and it will be a big challenge as, when you look at the teams in League, it will be a tough division.”

Penney is delighted with his capture, declaring: “It is great to have somebody of Rob’s versatility in the squad, and he is a fantastic player. I think he played in six positions for Darlington and appeared everywhere but goalkeeper, centre of defence and as a big man up front.

“Rob is a great athlete and has played around 90 games for me in the last two seasons at Darlington.”

Purdie views his position as right midfield, where he spent most of the most recent season, closely followed by left-back.

He admitted it is a relief to have left Darlington, who went into administration earlier this year, even though he still had one year left on his contract with the Quakers.

“I have received only six weeks pay in the last four months and some of the lads with mortgages and young families have found it really tough,” he explained.

Purdie kicked off his career at home-city Leicester where he was from the ages of 10 to 19 years without ever appearing in the first team.

He had five seasons at Hereford, helping them regain their Football League status, before spending the last two years at Darlington.

Penney added that two other players he has made offers to - a tough tackling midfield player and striker - are both on holiday.

“Of the players we have made offers to, nobody has yet turned us down,” said Penney, who pointed out that former Darlington midfield player Jason Kennedy, who has joined Rochdale, was never on his wish list.

Eardley call-up

Neal Eardley has been named in the full Wales squad for Friday’s friendly against Estonia at Llanelli.

The 20-year-old has already won nine senior caps for his country and will be aiming to reach double figures.

Manager John Toshack will reduce the 22-strong squad to 20 players who travel to Azerbaijan for their World Cup qualifier on Saturday week.

Manchester City striker Ched Evans is also in the squad for the Estonia international.