The fire is back, says Diamond

HAPPY TO BE HERE . . . defender Zander Diamond is delighted to have signed for Athletic.

NEW Athletic defender Zander Diamond intends to sparkle at Boundary Park after a tough year which took the shine off his time in Scotland.

The straight-talking centre-half, who spent his entire professional career at Aberdeen until this week’s free transfer switch, set his heart on a move months before his contract expired.

He believes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered to bury doubts over his fitness and regain the form which saw him take vice-captain duties at Pittodrie and skipper Scotland under-21s.

Diamond sacrificed a money-spinning testimonial in order to become Paul Dickov’s fourth summer signing, following the capture of Matt Smith, Jean-Yves Mvoto and Alex Cisak.

“In the end I was not sad to leave Aberdeen, but I am proud of what I did there,” he said.

“I spent nine years at the club, which is an achievement in itself, and was 12 months away from my testimonial. But I lost my enthusiasm for the game at the turn of the year and made up my mind to move on.

“It is difficult to motivate yourself when you are in that frame of mind. I could easily have stayed for another few years, but people pick up on the signs and it is not fair to kid them.

“I have no hard feelings towards the players or staff at Aberdeen, it is just what happens in football sometimes. I am 26-years-old and ready for a new challenge.

“Up there you play against the same teams four or five times per season, which can be draining.

“The fire is back in the belly now, which is something that was missing in my final year in Scotland.”

Hearts expressed an interest in signing Diamond but pulled out, citing concerns over his long-term fitness — something the towering stopper is keen to clarify.

He added: “I had a medical at Hearts and they flagged up what they thought was a lingering problem from an old ankle injury, so it was called off.

“The evidence is clear — I played more than 60 matches for Aberdeen after the injury they referred to and came through a full pre-season unscathed.

“I had a full medical here this week and the fitness coaches have seen me — no mention of a problem.

“As far as I am concerned the Hearts experience was a blessing in disguise because I am delighted to be with Oldham.”