Raring to go!

HIGH KICK . . . Dan Gardner

DAN Gardner is determined not to repeat last season's nightmare, having landed a contract with Athletic at the second time of asking.

The attack-minded midfield man (27) took to Clayton Playing Fields along with the rest of the squad as performance coach John Harbin put the players through a series of exercises to stretch their legs on the first day back of pre-season.

Gardner had the chance to stay with the Spireites to try to get them back up after last season's miserable relegation to Sky Bet League Two.

But the Hyde-based player - turned down by Athletic after a trial spell under Dave Penney seven years ago - felt the time was right to make the move and to stay in League One.

"Everything went wrong at Chesterfield last season, but there is nothing you can do now," said Gardner, whose season was rounded off by a red card at Sheffield United on the final day that leaves him unavailable for Athletic's opening three league games.

"You kick on and this is a new challenge for me. Hopefully, that never happens again.

"CHANGE"
"They offered me another two-year deal, but I think it was time for a change and I wanted to stay in League One. Shez (manager John Sheridan) gave me that opportunity when I met him and sold the club to me.

"I'm looking forward to getting started now."

Released by Celtic after being picked up by their scouts, Ardwick-born Gardner switched to Crewe after his two-week trial at Athletic and did well in non-league at Halifax before Chesterfield made their move in early 2014.

His first half-season was a success, helping the club into the play-offs, and Athletic manager John Sheridan has been a fan for a while.

"Last season when I was at Chesterfield, when Shez was at Notts County they showed a bit of interest in me going on loan," Gardner added.

"I have always wanted to stay at as high a level for as long as I can and League One is a good one to play football in.

"Oldham was the right club for me to come to and do that."

Tope Obadeyi, who yesterday was confirmed as signing a one-year extension to his contract, was present at training alongside goalkeeper Kyle Letheren (29), formerly of Dundee and Blackpool and who starred for York last season despite their relegation from the Vanarama Conference. Former Athletic scholar Ryan Leonard also trained as he bids to win a professional deal.

TWO former Athletic strikers are on the move.

Dominic Poleon has left Wimbledon to sign for Bradford for an undisclosed fee and free agent Chris O'Grady, last seen in the Championship with Burton on loan from Brighton, has signed for Chesterfield.