New man set for Mossley test

FAITH IN ME: Jonathan Grounds — confidence of manager Paul Dickov a big factor in joining Latics, he says

JONATHAN Grounds will get his first taste of life as an Athletic defender at Mossley tonight (7pm).

The left-back signed from Middlesbrough on a two-year contract — the only one of the five newcomers to have signed for more 12 months.

That alone is an illustration of the belief Athletic manager Paul Dickov has in a player he saw in action repeatedly while on loan at Yeovil last season.

Grounds (24) is keen to repay that faith and finally lay down roots after four years of ground-hopping.

“I have probably been to too many places, looking at how old I am,” admitted Grounds.

“So getting settled somewhere where I play 40 to 50 games was my aim for the season.

“The manager was keen to get the deal done and, speaking to him, he had confidence in me. That was one of the main factors.”

Tonight’s first pre-season game will see all of Athletic's first-team squad get a run-out.

Dickov is likely to put out two full sides on the night, including some trialists.

ADMISSION at Mossley tonight is £5 adults and £3 concessions, with under-16s free. There will be a collection for the victims of the Shaw explosion



READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions



Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle