Fleetwood flak washes over Gregan

FORMER Athletic captain Sean Gregan has rubbished claims that he moved to Fleetwood Town for a big pay-day.

Along with midfielder Jon Worthington, the 36-year-old is currently plying his trade on loan with a side chasing a spot in npower League Two for next season.

For that to happen, Gregan and his men will have to start turning draws — there have been no less than seven of them in the last nine games — into victories.

Should it go ahead, the Boxing Day game against Darlington gives the 'Cod Army' a chance to do just that.

It brings Gregan against the club he began his professional career with nearly two full decades ago — for the first time outside of cup competitions since he left the old Feethams ground to make a £350,000 move to Preston in 1996.

"Darlington are one of the clubs that wanted to take me on loan from Oldham," said Gregan, who lives in Preston.

"At the time, I read some comments from (Darlington manager) Mark Cooper that 'money talks,' but that isn't the case at all.

"It was nothing to do with money. I came here for logistical reasons and not appearance money, which I have forfeited in order to get a move."

Gregan played alongside Worthington, making his debut and first senior appearance of the season, as Fleetwood beat the big freeze at home to Newport last weekend.

While training indoors and on artificial surfaces isn't ideal, Gregan is philosophical about the situation.

And he is clearly impressed with what Fleetwood are aiming to achieve near the Fylde coast, with a new £4million stand to be opened next year.

"We have mixed it up and this week did some army training," Gregan added.

"There isn't a lot you can do about it — even our Astroturf has been frozen. Everyone is in the same boat.

"I had played in five games and was just getting match fit and feeling good. Then the weather struck, which you can't do anything about.

"It has been worse for Worthy. He has only played in one league game, on Saturday, and with the way the weather is looking that could be the end of his loan spell.

"The idea was to come here and get games and it was the same case with Worthy, but I have enjoyed it.

"There are a lot of players here who have played league football and dropped down for one reason or another.

"It is a really well-run set-up. You get here and there is breakfast, then after training lunch is put on.

"There are overnight stays on away trips and things are run just like a Football League club.

"The new stand is on its way, as well, and will open in April, which will be superb for the club."