Oldham Athletic have confirmed the capture of Joe Quigley on a two-year-deal, signing from Forest Green Rovers.
The 28-year-old helped FGR to a third-placed National League finish, with the former EFL side missing out on promotion after a 2-2 penalty loss to Southend United in the play-off stage. A flurry of assists in the latter games of the league campaign saw Quigley contribute four in the last five matches.
Oldham now boast a reasonably stacked attack in terms of numbers, with the former Chesterfield centurion-appearing player bringing experience from spells with Dagenham and Redbridge, Wrexham and Yeovil Town to the newly-promoted side. Kane Drummond was purchased from the Spireites alongside already having: Mike Fondop-Talum, Joe Garner, Kian Harratt and Billy Waters at the club as striking options.
Upon signing for the new fourth tier hopefuls, Quigley had this to say to the club media team:
“I’m buzzing to be here. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew this was a club heading in the right direction.
“Boundary Park’s a tough place to come as an opponent so now I’m looking forward to calling it home.
“I want to play a big part this season and help push the team on.”
Micky Mellon, Oldham’s head coach, praised Quigley and highlighted the thought process behind the 28-year-old’s purchase:
“Joe’s a handful for defenders and someone who we feel can push us on as a team.
“He brings presence, experience, and a real desire to contribute.
“He’s a great lad and we’re really pleased to have him on board.”
Writer’s View
Oldham have looked defensively resolute already upon their League Two return, with a 0-0 draw holding title favourites Milton Keynes Dons to a point apiece. A disappointing 3-1 knockout saw Accrington Stanley best Athletic in the EFL Cup Preliminary stage. Quigley’s addition will hopefully give Oldham a new avenue of bench quality during these close matches.
Quigley may be introduced to provide experience off the bench rather than expect to be a starter at Oldham, especially with the attacking players at their disposal currently. This is still a smart signing by last year’s National League escapees.
