Maher on Athletic

Last updated : 25 July 2008 By The Chairman
Kevin Maher hopes that his experience will bring success to Athletic. He chose the Latics on a free transfer over possible moves to Gillingham and Swindon. He said, "I'm delighted that the move has finally happened and I'm looking forward to playing here. Moving north didn't bother me - I just wanted to make sure the football was right and I think Oldham is the right club for me. The set-up and the management feels good here and I think this will be a good move. I enjoyed quite a bit of success at Southend, and the more success you get, the more you want. You get into that winning habit and it just sticks and keeps on coming."

"Obviously winning games and success is the main thing, but I've always liked to pass the ball and that is the way the game is played here. I know the manager likes to play a passing game and I like to get the ball down and play it. I think we can do well this year, despite the fact that it will certainly be a tough league. The majority of the squad has been kept together and I know there was a lot of injuries last season which disrupted things. There's no reason to think we can't push on this year."

"In any walk of life you have to compete, and it's no different here because I'll need to earn my chance. Having so many players helps to keep up standards and I know it won't be easy. There are no guarantees. I came here because I want to keep playing at the highest level I can and I know the way the manager wants to play football. I want to be part of something successful and, with a lot of talented young players around the club, I can see there's potential."

"I was at Southend for such a long time, and had such an association with them, that it's quite difficult to leave, but there comes a time when you've got to move on. We had a couple of promotions when we were fortunate with injuries and suspensions, but if you work hard enough you make your own luck. I'm a player who tries to do a bit of everything but, for me, the main thing is to pass the ball and keep it simple. Sometimes that's the easiest thing, sometimes it's the hardest, but the manager knows my game and he wants me to keep doing what I do."