Whitaker looking forward to the challenge

Last updated : 26 June 2008 By The Chairman

Danny Whitaker, having just signed a two year deal at Athletic, commented, "Basically, my contract was coming to an end at Vale Park. Unfortunately Vale had just been relegated and really I knew I had to stay in League One if that was at all possible. My agent had had is feelers out for me and it was nice to know that three or four clubs were interested in me. Then I was told John Sheridan wanted me at Oldham, that was it really, my mind was made up almost on the spot."

I heard that Port Vale made me more than one offer, they have been fantastic with me. They said that even though they have been relegated they would match last years offer, then they improved it, and to be fair it was a good offer, one of the best Port Vale could put on the table. I wanted to play at the highest level I possibly could though, I had spent enough time in League Two with Macclesfield Town. I had a good six years there and needed to stay in League One or even move up a division. There's a big difference between the two divisions because you get a lot more football at this level - League Two is rough and ready, which doesn't suit the way I play. It's nothing against Port Vale, in fact I probably would have stayed if it wasn't for the fact we got relegated."

"A few League Two clubs had made an offer and a couple of League One clubs too, one of which had just been promoted. But then as we were looking at the offers John Sheridan phoned and you don't turn down someone who has played in two World cups in your midfield position. I am sure John can improve my game. When I was at Port Vale under Martin Foyle, he was a decent striker and he improved the attacking side of my game and I am sure my general game will improve again under John's guidance. The first season at Port Vale was fantastic, we in the top ten of the league and then we expected the same or better last year but it wasn't to be, that's how football goes they say. Lee Sinnott has his own way of doing things and there are some strange training techniques, but that's fair enough. Each to their own - we got on fantastically well - but I didn't want to drop down to League Two."

"My favourite position is in the centre of midfield, but I can do a job all over the place which I have been doing at Port Vale for the last two seasons. I don't mind being asked to play in different positions as long as I am playing. I like to get on the ball, a bit of a playmaker really, my passing is one of my best features really and I like to chip in with a few goals which is good. I like scoring actually, who doesn't. This is a club that is looking forward, just missed out on the play-offs last season, where in the play-offs the season before. Latics are going places; John has already made a couple of shrewd signings. Players at other clubs make a note of teams who are making interesting signings. Latics are one of the clubs who are not frightened of taking a gamble and Oldham seem to be going places, just look at the building work that is going on in the stadium!"

"I have already been away and now I am getting ready for pre-season, looking forward to it actually. I have already been doing extra running because I will need to be firing on all cylinders being the new boy and there looks to be a bit of competition already building for places. I do not know any of the players here which is a bit strange really, so it is head down time, I feel fit now but I am sure I will get fitter and let's hit the ground running. Millwall look out!"