Red Rose challenge suits Jon

NEW-BOY Jon Worthington joined Athletic from one of their fiercest rivals, but doesn’t anticipate any problems in becoming an adopted Lancastrian.

The 26-year-old midfield man made the short hop over the Pennines from Roses rivals Huddersfield Town.

Worthington, who had been at Huddersfield since the age of nine, said: “I have had numerous battles with Oldham over the years.

“The FA Cup, fourth-round win at Boundary Park the season before last stands out.

“I am on the other side now, but I don’t envisage any problems.

“I was at Huddersfield a long time, a local lad who came through the ranks, but the fact I was joining Oldham from one of their biggest rivals didn’t come into my mind when I signed.

“At the end of the day it was all about the best move for my career.”

Worthington was loaned to Yeovil for a spell in the second half of last season as he did not feature in the long-term plans of new Terriers manager Lee Clark.

He said: “I think it will be good to have a new challenge. It is one I am looking forward to and I want to enjoy success here.

“I had a lot of good times at Huddersfield and I now class myself as an experienced player. I want to bring that to the Oldham squad.”

Worthington has, in fact, made 246 first-team appearances in his career since becoming a first-team regular with the Terriers at the age of 19.

There was interest from others clubs, but it didn’t take him long to decide.

He said: “After I spoke to Dave Penney I realised what his ambitions were and what he wanted from his team. That’s when I decided they were the club for me.

“The gaffer has a good reputation in the game and has won promotions.

“Oldham is also a club steeped in history and tradition.

“The manager told me he wanted a young, hungry team and I am a hungry player so I think we are ideally suited.”

Worthington reckons the squad Penney has assembled can become a force in Coca-Cola League One.

He said: “Reuben Hazell and Sean Gregan are the only two players over the age of 30, but when you look at Pawel Abbott, Danny Whitaker and myself, we also have played a good number of games so we can all bring experience to the table.”

Worthington is excited about linking up in midfield with former Chelsea and Glasgow Rangers player Dean Furman, who spent last season at loan at Bradford City.

He said: “I live near Bradford and have friends at the club so I know a lot about him.

“He has some good attributes and he did very well at Bradford. I am looking forward to playing alongside him — assuming that is we are picked.”

Worthington believes League One will be more competitive than for many years.

He said: “There are some really big clubs this year — and some are splashing the cash — so it will be a very tough.

“But having money doesn’t necessarily guarantee success and sometimes it is better to have a good tight-knit squad with a good team spirit as well as some quality players.

“I think we have that and I’m sure we will be fine.”