Latics sign Gregan as cover for Stam

Last updated : 09 November 2006 By The Chairman
Sean Gregan has joined the Latics on loan from Leeds United. John Sheridan has drafted the 32 year old defender in as cover for the absence of Stefan Stam who will be out for up to eight weeks through injury. Gregan has only made one league appearance for Leeds this season and an appearance against Chester City in the Carling Cup.

New Leeds boss Dennis Wise has decided that Gregan is surplus to requirements and said, "I've spoken to Sean, and if he can find a club to go to on loan then he can do that. We had a long chat and I gave him my opinion. He know's the situation, and he's not part of my plans."

Gregan began as a midfielder at Darlington, making 160 appearances, before moving on to Preston North End. He was an instant hit at Deepdale and spent nearly six years there. He was captain of the old Nationwide Second Division title winning team in 1999/00 and made 255 appearances for Preston, scoring 14 goals in the process. He was that popular that the North Enders nicknamed him 'God'.

From Preston he moved to West Brom but the then manager the Gary Megson couldn't keep the Baggies up and they were relegated from the top flight. The next season the Baggies won promotion to the Premiership again but Gregan then moved on to Leeds in 2004 after 85 appearances for the midlanders. Athletic will have the option of keeping Gregan when the transfer window opens again in January.