Late news: Holdsworth signs for Latics

DEFENDER Andy Holdsworth has become Athletic manager Dave Penney’s latest summer signing — and is set to join forces with former Huddersfield Town team-mate Keigan Parker.

Parker, who played in the 2-1 friendly win at Macclesfield Town, is on the verge of moving to Boundary Park on a two-year deal.

Holdsworth (25), who can also play in midfield, rejected offers at League One rivals Millwall and League Two outfit Bradford City to join Penney’s side, also on a two-year contract.

Holdsworth was a top target of Bradford — he played in two friendlies for the Bantams — but boss Stuart McCall said: “It’s frustrating, but you can’t blame the lad.

“I got a call to say he was going to Oldham and he wants to carry on playing League One football.

“He did well when he came here, enjoyed it all and we offered him a deal, but once Oldham were sniffing we knew it’d be tough and he has decided to go there.”

Meanwhile, Parker lined up alongside Pawel Abbott in attack and provided the pass for Chris Taylor’s opening goal at Moss Rose last night.

Penney said: “Keigan only met up with us yesterday, so we’re still getting to know him.

“With his pace, he gives us a different option up front to Chris O’Grady, Pawel Abbott and Lewis Alessandra.

“His goals played a big part in getting Blackpool promoted to the Championship a couple of years ago, and hopefully we can spark him back into life.”

The 27-year-old, who has scored 68 career goals, is already well-known to Athletic fans. He was in the Blackpool side that won promotion to the Coca-Cola Championships via the play-offs in 2007, beating Athletic in the two-legged semi-final.

Born in Scotland, Parker began his career at St Johnstone. After more than 120 games for the Scottish side, he tried his luck south of the border at Blackpool.

He was released at the end of the 2007/08 season and was immediately snapped by Huddersfield, but he only made 20 appearances for the Terriers before falling out of favour with new manager Lee Clarke.

Parker had a loan spell at Hartlepool, but failed to find the net in nine matches.