Glad to be back

BACK IN THE FOLD. . . Robbie Simpson gets stuck in against Chesterfield yesterday.

ROBBIE Simpson expects to become a permanent signing for Athletic in the next couple of days.

The Huddersfield Town striker returned to the fray in the draw at Chesterfield, initially on loan but with a view to a permanent deal being completed this week.

“Huddersfield wanted to pay as little as possible towards my wages and Oldham were doing all they could on their side towards the wages,” Simpson said, after ending a period of enforced inactivity in which he has trained with Athletic.

“I have had to take a little bit of a hit, to be honest. But it is a small price for being happy.

“It is what I have wanted since December 11, when my original loan finished. I am delighted to be back. I had a great three months here and I wanted to keep playing and enjoying my football.

“Over the last few years I had lost a bit of the enjoyment. Being here is vital for me. I was hoping to get the deal we want to get done — the permanent one — completed on Sunday.

“But we didn’t have enough time, so we did the loan deal and the permanent one should be complete before Friday. I am not a good watcher, but the lads have been fantastic and in beating Southend gave me the chance to play against Liverpool at Anfield on Friday, which I am delighted about.”

Simpson felt Athletic should have picked up a pair of penalties in yesterday’s 1-1 stalemate at the B2net Stadium.

“I felt I was fouled in the first half at the back post and I was right behind the one with Smudge (Matt Smith),” he added. “I had the same view as the referee and can’t believe he hasn't given it.

“It was a game we should have won and which we are disappointed we didn’t win.”