Dan’s the man for Latics

DAN TAYLOR . . . hard graft.

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ATHLETIC'S strike options for the coming season are not yet finalised, but manager Paul Dickov is at least sure of one thing he will get from new boy Dan Taylor: hard graft.

The former Newcastle United player (19) begins training with his new club on Monday week. Taylor and Matt Smith are the only forwards currently signed for next season. Robbie Simpson is expected to join them, but whether last season's top scorer Shefki Kuqi will do likewise by extending his contract is clouded in doubt.

The release of Reuben Reid, Ryan Brooke, Keanu Marsh-Brown and DJ Bembo — plus loans Harry Bunn and Oumare Tounkara mean Dickov will be keen to bolster his options soon.

But for now he is happy to have brought in Taylor, beating rivals Preston to his signature.

"Dan will bring with him a lot of enthusiasm and work-rate," said Dickov. "We think, without putting too much pressure on him, he will do well for us. It might take him time to settle. But what I know we will get is a player who will work his socks off.

Fans will get their first look at Taylor during the friendlies programme, which so far consists of away-days at Mossley (July 11, 7.45pm kick-off), York (July 21, 3pm) and Fleetwood (July 27, 7.30pm), plus a home game against Huddersfield (August 4, 3pm).



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