Jon ready for the challenge

WELCOME: New signing Jon Worthington with Latics chief executive Alan Hardy.

ATHLETIC sorted out their backroom and engine room on a busy transfer day at Boundary Park - with the promise of more to come.

Former Huddersfield Town skipper Jon Worthington became manager Dave Penney’s second signing of the summer and the 26-year-old midfield man fits the profile identified by the new boss as being vital for success in what promises to be a highly-competitive Coca-Cola League One next season.

Dewsbury-born Worthington, who had been on Huddersfield’s books since the age of nine, has a reputation as a tough-tackling, midfield ball-winner with a work ethic similar to that of recent signing Rob Purdie, who was snapped up by Athletic from Darlington.

Penney has set out his stall to produce a younger, stronger, fitter Athletic side for the new campaign - and Worthington believes he can fit in with the new ethos.

“I’m a fully-committed player who leads by example on the pitch - and I like a tackle. Deep down I’m a winner,” he told Latics World.

“It’s pastures new and I think the challenge will be good for me,” he said

Worthington lost his place at Huddersfield towards the back end of last season and spent his time on loan at Yeovil.

With the versatile Purdie and Worthington tied up on two-year deals, boss Penney is keen to further strengthen the “spine” of his side with similar no-nonsense performers.

Centre-half and striker are among the priorities and could be among another half-dozen signings before pre-season training begins at the end of June in preparation for a campaign which opens on August 8.

Meanwhile, the existing playing staff are due to have a get-together next week for a few days of work and a chance to get to know the new recruits, Penney and his coaching staff.

As forecast, Penney is joined at Boundary Park by his former Darlington No 2 Martin Gray and goalkeeping coach Andy Collett.

Gray (37) and Collett (35) will form the new backroom team along with Lee Duxbury, who continues on the Boundary Park coaching staff with special responsibility for the re-formed reserve team.