Hunt return thrills Latics

ROB HUNT . . . the full-back has signed a three-year deal at SportsDirect.com Park

NEW signing Rob Hunt was clear from the outset about his plan for this summer: Get back to Athletic.

The former Brighton left-back, who has signed a three-year deal at SportsDirect.com Park, impressed in his 10 games on loan under manager John Sheridan last season where he filled in the problem left-back spot.

He needed groin surgery after suffering an injury in the 2-1 home win over Oxford and went back to Brighton, now promoted to the Premier League, back in March.

But even though he had 12 months left on his deal, the 22-year-old wanted to move North and has recently been looking to buy a home in the area.

"We are absolutely delighted to get the deal done," said Athletic's chief executive Mark Moisley. "He is a terrific player and also a really great lad to have around the place.

"PERFORMED"

"I think this is one that the fans should be excited about. He came here last season and though his stay was curtailed by injury, he performed very well for us.

"To be honest, with being the type of enthusiastic person he is, he probably tried to come back a little too quickly and that might have exacerbated the problem.

"But his rehab went very well indeed and he is back, fully fit and raring to go.

"The great thing from our perspective was that he was really keen to come back to us.

"He could easily have stayed another year on his contract at Brighton in the Premier League.

"But Rob wants to play and wanted to play for us."

Hunt was not part of the squad that took on Swindon Town in a behind-closed-doors game today and will link up with the squad when they return from the training camp in Bath.

His arrival bolsters an already strong defensive line-up that earned 18 clean sheets last season, with only the goalkeeping position now up for grabs. Bailey Peacock-Farrell is in line to be number one should he impress enough to earn a year-long loan deal from Leeds.

Brighton boss Chris Hughton explained the decision to let Hunt, who joined the club from Essex-based Brentwood Town as a 16-year-old, depart: "He has spent a good amount of time with the first team over the past year, and his attitude and determination has always been excellent. He now has the opportunity to play regular football at a club he already knows well.

"It's a great opportunity for Rob and I would like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of everyone at the football club."

Hunt played eight times for the Seagulls, including three appearances in the Checkatrade Trophy, before moving to Athletic under Sheridan back in January.

Meanwhile, Athletic have been linked with a renewed swoop for Leeds striker Lee Erwin.

The forward spent last year on loan with the club and impressed towards the end of the campaign, scoring six of his season's tally of 10 in his last 10 appearances.

Erwin is also said to be a loan target for Charlton, MK Dons, Plymouth and Walsall.