Trotman boost for back line

WELCOME . . . Paul Dickov greets Neal Trotman.

NEAL Trotman’s capture on a one-month loan deal has boosted manager Paul Dickov’s defensive options.

The powerful centre-back, who is on the transfer list at Preston North End, will stay at Boundary Park until January 3 and goes straight in tomorrow’s squad to face Rochdale.

Trotman (23) becomes the fifth loan player at the club, in addition to Jean-Yves Mvoto, Oumare Tounkara, Cedric Evina and Aidan White.

A maximum of five loan players can be named in an 18-man matchday squad in the Football League.

Trotman joined Preston from Athletic for a fee of £500,000 in January, 2008, after making 18 league appearances for the Boundary Park outfit following his release by Burnley.

He had a spell on loan with Halifax to gain experience during his first stint in Oldham, and has since played on loan at Colchester United, Southampton and Huddersfield Town.

He has yet to play first-team football this season.

As one defender arrives at Athletic, another departs.

Transfer-listed left-back Joe Jacobson has joined League Two side Accrington Stanley until January 3.

The 24-year-old is likely to be thrust straight into the side for tonight’s FA Cup second-round tie away at Port Vale.