New signing upbeat as Latics build for new season

OPTIMISTIC . . . Brian Wilson believes Athletic can make a bold bid for promotion.

BRIAN Wilson feels his new club is capable of taking a leaf out of Leyton Orient’s book next season - and making a push towards promotion from Sky Bet League One.

Wythenshawe-born Wilson (31) joined Athletic yesterday on a two-year deal, having rejected the chance to stay at Colchester for a fifth season. The former Bristol City team-mate of Athletic boss Lee Johnson can see only a bright future at Boundary Park.

He said: “The manager was a big influence when deciding to join Oldham. I’ve known him as a player and a manager, I know what he’s all about, and I saw for myself last season just what my new team is capable of.

“I played against Oldham twice and was impressed - then they finished so well with that long unbeaten run.

“I saw this as a great opportunity to begin the next chapter in my career. I was captain at Colchester and it was a tough decision to leave after four years, but the last two seasons had seen us constantly battling to stay out of the bottom four and I couldn’t really see that changing. I’m ready to challenge for a promotion now.

“The team spirit and the work ethic is first-class, so if we can hit the ground running next season then there’s no reason why we can’t go and do as well as Leyton Orient did.