Down to the wire

Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 02 September 2014


ATHLETIC swapped strikers on a dramatic final day of transfer market activity yesterday, with Dominic Poleon drafted in as Jonson Clarke-Harris departed in the final hour before the 11pm transfer deadline.

There was also a swoop for Rotherham midfield man Michael Tidser, who arrived at SportsDirect.com Park on a six-month loan deal.

Clarke-Harris (20) has left Athletic to join long-time suitors Rotherham United in the Championship on a three-year deal, with a fee above their club record £250,000 - though Peterborough has a “hefty” sell-on clause built into the deal that took the player to Athletic last summer.

But even after Peterborough’s cut, the balance of the two moves — Leeds is believed to be getting £50,000 for Poleon - represents good business by Athletic.

Johnson said: “It’s disappointing to lose Jonno, of course. But the deal was a good one and he’s got his move to the Championship. Hopefully he’ll be successful at Rotherham.

Clarke-Harris tweeted: “I would like to thank everyone at Oldham for the hard work they have put in with me over the last year. I’ve enjoyed my time there and met some great people at the club. But it’s time to move on.”

Poleon (20) arrives on a two-year deal as a man with a reputation for raw speed. The former Chelsea youth player has had spells on loan at Bury and Sheffield United, and can play in a central role up front or on the wing.

Johnson added: “We’re delighted to get Dominic. He’s an exciting young player and he can be a similar project for us to Jonno.”

Loan signing Tidser adds to Johnson’s midfield options until January. The 24-year-old Glaswegian started out at Celtic but made his name at Greenock Morton after a spell in Sweden.

Poleon isn’t available for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Bradford, but Tidser can take part.



FORMER Athletic favourite Matt Smith joined Fulham from Leeds United last night for a fee reported to be £500,000. The 25 year old penned a three-year deal at Craven Cottage despite only recently agreeing a similar contract extension at Elland Road.