LIAM HOGAN says it was an “easy decision” to join the Oldham Athletic revolution.
Latics boss John Sheridan has turned to the 33-yearold centre-back to lead the club’s assault back into the Football League.
And Hogan, who captained Stockport County to the National League title last season, is happy to use his vast experience to help the cause.
“After speaking to the gaffer it was a very easy decision for me to sign and I’m really pleased to have been given this opportunity,” Hogan told the club’s website.
“It was very clear from that start how much he wanted me and that he sees me as a big part of helping to turn this club around and getting it back in the right direction as quickly as we can.
“I’ve got a bit of a niche in this league and the clubs I’ve been associated with and I’m very much looking forward to helping to bring that same philos- o- phyhere with theright ersaround play-me.
“Thisleagueis a difficultleague, make no mistake about it, but I’m reallydetermined to ensure we can deliver success on the pitch.”
Hogan began his career with Halifax, earning two promotions with the Shaymen before earning him a move into the EFL with Fleetwood Town.
He thenspenta season at Tranmere Roversbefore a distinguished spellat Sal- ford City,captaininghis home-town clubtoback-to- back promotionsinto the FootballLeague for thefirsttime in their history.
Hogan then moved to Stockport in February 2020, again taking the armband during his two full seasons.
Sheridan has no doubt Hogan is the right man to lead the Latics’ mission.
“I’m really pleased to have secured the services of a player who has had real success in the division we’ll be playing in next season,” the former Chesterfield boss said.
“Liam is an excellent defender, a clear winner, and his experience in the National League will be a huge asset to us during the season ahead.
“It’s vital that we build a squad around players who have been successful at the level we’re going in at. Liam ticks all of those boxes, including a number of seasons in the EFL, and the fact he becomes our first signing shows how much I wanted to secure his services.”
■MATLOCK Town ha ve strengthened at both ends of the field by signing striker Jake Day and goalkeeper Jim Pollard.
Day, the former Guiseley forward, was part of the Scarborough Athletic squad that won the Northern Premier League play-offs.
He previously scored 85 goals in 107 gamesforBridlington Town and had spells at Tadcaster Albion and Alfreton Town.
Former Barrow keeper Pollard, 23, joins the Gladiators from Grantham Town.
■STOURBRIDGE have raided Rushall Olympic for midfielder Alex Moore – but have said goodbye to fans’ favourite James McQuilkin.
Moore, 25, picked up the manager’s player of the year award at ther Pics this season.
He previously turned out for Sutton Coldfield Town and Wolverhampton Casuals.
McQuilkin, 33, joined the Glassboys from Hereford last summer and featured in every game this season.
Joint-boss Stuart Pierpoint said: “He always worked hard and conducted himself correctly and we wish him all the best for his future.”
■ SOUTH Shields have signed former Sunderland, Kilmarnock and Hartlepool United midfielder Martin Smith. Smith, 26, came through the ranks at Sunderland and arrives from Hartlepool United following loan spells with Gateshead and Carlisle.
“Everyone knows what we’re trying to build here so I’m very focused and looking forward to the season,” Smith said.
Boss Kevin Phillips added: “It’s clear how eager he is to get going here.”
■ ALTRINCHAM have sn apped up one of the region’s brightest young prospects after agreeing a deal for full-back Aidan Roxburgh from neighbours Trafford.
The young defender’s dynamic style increasingly caught the eye of Phil Parkinson last season, and the Alty manager was delightedtopush through a move.
Parkinson said: “We’ve monitored his progress this season closely, and we feel, under the new model, he could blossom and take his game to the next level.”
■CHELMSFORD City have signed former Ipswich Town, Millwall and Bolton midfielder Liam Trotter.
The 33-year-old has agreed a one-year at Melbourne Avenue after opting to leave National League club Bromley.
Trotter started his career at Ipswich and played the majority of his career in the second and third tiers before joining Bromley in September 2020.
Clarets boss Robbie Simpson said: “He’ll influence our young players in a really good way and he’s a fantastic player. I’m really excited to see Liam play for Chelmsford.”
■PAUL Smith, the Halesowen Town manager, reckons he has landed a “top drawer” signing in Josh Quaynor.
Midfielder Quaynor, 30, arrives from Bromsgrove Sporting having previously had spells at Stourbridge and Coleshill Town.
Smith said: “Josh has been top drawer for his previous club for a number of years.
“It’s another fantastic new signing for the club, and I’m very happy with how the squad is shaping up.”
