Sport

Oldham Athletic’s defensive worries ease as home-grown defender James Tarkowski pens two more years

By Matthew Lees

Oldham Athletic defender James Tarkowski has committed himself to Boundary Park by signing a new two-year contract at the club.

The 20-year-old had been out of contract but has now ended speculation over his future by penning a new deal at Latics.

Tarkowski, who joined Oldham on a youth scholarship in 2009, has worked his way through the ranks to force his way into the first-team setup.

He was first named in the match day squad in January 2011 and made his debut one week later as a substitute.

After making a further eight appearances that campaign he was rewarded with his first professional contract that ran out this summer.

Last season the defender played 26 times, scoring two goals, but was forced to regain his place in the team after a three month absence between November and February.

The news will come as a welcome relief to manager Lee Johnson as he looks to bolster his squad for the upcoming campaign.

Frenchman Jean-Yves M’voto is still to sign a new contract while fellow defender Cliff Byrne, who assisted in coaching after Paul Dickov’s resignation, is attracting interest from recently relegated Scunthorpe United.

Former Iron captain Byrne spent nine years at Glandford Park and Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws is believed to be keen to re-unite with his former player. 

Image courtesy of Roger May, via Wiki Commons, with thanks.

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