Latics chance for Williams
11 Jul 2008 - 10:43:12
Oldham Athletic have handed a contract to David Williams despite the former Manchester United trainee's trial being cut short by injury.
The 17-year-old striker arrived at Boundary Park towards the end of the last campaign when he learned he was to be given a free transfer by the Premier League side.
However, he was unable to take part in any competitive action after damaging knee cartilage in the warm-up before a youth team game.
But after impressing manager John Sheridan, Williams has put pen to paper on a deal with the Latics and is keen to repay their faith when he returns to full fitness.
"The damage needed an operation and I'm still about six weeks away from fitness, but I'm so pleased to be here and the physios have been brilliant with me so far," he told the club's official website.
"It's frustrating, because when you join a new club you want to be out on the training ground and getting to know the lads. But I'll have to patient on that front, and hopefully my chance will come."
Meanwhile, the Latics' pre-season plans have taken a knock after fellow new signing Kieran Lee picked up an injury in training.
The former Manchester United youngster has suffered a grade one hamstring tear and will be out of action for at least three weeks.