Mimms in move to Latics

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson has hailed his newest signing Bobby Mimms as one of the finest of his speciality in the country.

The 49-year-old former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeping coach has stepped into the breach at Boundary Park, initially on a short-term basis, as a replacement for Paul Gerrard among the backroom staff.

Midway through last season, Mimms was a victim of the ructions at Ewood Park which saw him lose his job along with then-manager Henning Berg and assistant Eric Black.

Now back in the game with Athletic, Johnson reckons the former Rotherham, Tottenham and Blackburn goalkeeper will be a valuable ally when it comes to recruiting a new number one for the club.

“Bobby is very well regarded in the game,” said Johnson, who took his squad onto the training field for the first time today.

“I see him as a very good signing. He is worth his weight in gold, contacts-wise, and we want to use that expertise and the contacts he has.

“There were a few other clubs sniffing, so we are really pleased to have brought him in.”

The deal could be extended provided it suits both parties.

Also present at this morning’s session to put the players through their paces was Lee Steele (39), ex-professional with Shrewsbury and Brighton who is now a fitness guru.

“As well as his qualities fitness-wise, Lee is a good character to have around,” said Athletic’s manager, who will work with Steele throughout the club’s pre-season programme.

Johnson also said he is in no rush to appoint an assistant, with first-team coach Paul Murray exceeding expectations.

“I am really enjoying the dynamic at the moment,” he added. “I am very conscious of making sure that whoever comes in, that they are exactly the right person.”

While no new player signings are expected this week, it is anticipated that Carl Winchester will pen a new deal to stay with the club soon.

One on-trial striker — a player with a French passport whose name is being kept under wraps by the club — was taking part in training today and a further three trialists are due to arrive in time for the friendly with Dinamo Bucharest in Leigh on Friday night.

As for goalkeeper Mark Oxley, a player Johnson confirmed he has looked into signing on loan, Hull City are believed to be insisting on a 24-hour recall clause being built into any agreement.

That might see a deal falter, with Athletic keen to avoid being caught short for a new goalkeeper in the event of Oxley being suddenly recalled to the KC Stadium.

Of last season’s players who are now out of contract, Lee Croft is reportedly training with Championship club Millwall, whose new manager Steve Lomas had the winger under his charge while he was on loan at St Johnstone in 2011-12, while Dean Furman was set to report in at Doncaster today.

Paul Dickov is confident of wrapping up a deal for his former Athletic skipper and could also move for defender Jean-Yves Mvoto.

ATHLETIC’S home League One fixture against Bradford City has been put back 24 hours to Sunday, December 1, to avoid a clash with the final of the Rugby League World Cup.

The game had been due to be played out on Saturday, November 30, the same day as the Old Trafford final, before both clubs agreed to the switch.