Mellor to stick with Latics

CONTRACT: Athletic midfielder David Mellor, in action against Yeovil last month, is staying at Boundary Park.

DAVID Mellor paid tribute to the faith shown in him by manager Lee Johnson after agreeing to extend his stay at his home-town club.

The 19-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year deal with an option for another 12 months.

Under Johnson’s control, Mellor added weight to the argument that he can be a capable operator in the middle of the pitch. He featured in that role in successive late-season victories over Bury, Yeovil and Crawley.

Prior to that renaissance, the former Manchester United prospect had appeared for only 147 minutes all season over doubts about his fitness.

The one-time target for Premier League Fulham admits he had thoughts about a move away from Athletic.

But now Mellor is pleased to be given the chance to show his worth next season.

“It was a massive boost to be involved in the team again and great to see the manager has faith in me and my ability,” said Mellor.

“He told me what it was that I needed to do — so I did it.

“The gaffer has told me that he wants me to keep working during the summer, so that is what I have been doing,” he added.

Mellor is the first of the crop of players offered new terms to remain at Boundary Park. Discussions are continuing with first-team players Alex Cisak, Jean-Yves Mvoto, James Tarkowski, Kirk Millar and Carl Winchester.