National League side Oldham Athletic have signed former Hull City midfielder Sam Clucas until the end of the year.
The 34-year-old had been without a club since the summer after being released by Rotherham United upon their relegation to League One. This will mark his return to non-league football for the first time in 12 seasons, having played for Hereford United when they dropped down into the fifth tier.
Latics Reinforce Squad
Last week saw Micky Mellon’s side lose striker Jack Stretton, with Stockport County recalling him from a season-long loan after only playing two games and Oldham have moved to strengthen in a different area. The incoming Clucas had been training with the club over the past few weeks and is in line to make his debut in the first round of the FA Cup against Tranmere Rovers.
Speaking upon his arrival to Boundary Park with club media, the former Burnley target said:
“I’m delighted to sign and finally get this done.
“I’ve been training with the group for a couple of weeks now and it’s a great group to come into.
“There’s a mix of experience and youth, and the manager is great to work with so this is an exciting opportunity.
“It’s obviously a massive club that shouldn’t be at the level they are, so if I can come in and share my experience with the lads then hopefully we can achieve some success.”
Boost To Promotion Bid
Whilst the National League may be on break this weekend, Athletic have started their season well and are in fifth place in the table. They are five points off top side York City and face arguably their biggest test yet when they play Barnet away.
Writer’s View
Sam Clucas is a great signing for the level and Oldham will benefit from such an experienced player in the middle of the pitch. Micky Mellon has been using Wigan Athletic loanee Kai Payne in recent weeks so Clucas will be able to give extra depth and strength to a position which has looked slightly threadbare for the club this season. It is a smart move that should pay off towards Oldham’s promotion ambitions.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
