Right said Fed

New signing at Oldham Athletic Federico Bessone with manager Lee Johnson.

LEE Johnson described the deadline-day acquisition of Federico Bessone as a “no-brainer”.

The former Barcelona youth team player jetted in from Spain at personal expense to sign a deal with Athletic running to the end of the season and with a view to staying on for 2013-14.

The 28-year-old Argentina-born defender was not involved in the npower League One game at Swindon today.

But should anything happen to Jonathan Grounds, the cover provided by Bessone — who has played for Barcelona ‘C’, Espanyol ‘B’, Swansea, Leeds and, earlier this season, Swindon — will certainly prove useful for Johnson.

“It’s a no-brainer really for the club,” said the boss, who will switch attentions to Easter Monday’s game at Colchester (3pm kick-off) after duties at the County Ground were completed.

“He and his agents have been very committed to coming over here. We were erring on the side of caution to say ‘no’, as we weren’t sure if he was fit.

“But they have gone to great lengths and cost to get him over.

“He has got pedigree, there is no doubt. So he is well worth a look at.

“The fact is, Jonathan Grounds is on eight bookings as well so if he goes down, we didn’t have that sort of left-back cover that we need.”

Having decided to depart Swindon earlier in the season after difficulties with fiery then-manager Paolo Di Canio, Bassone has since been training back in his home town of Barcelona with Espanyol.

He made it clear that paying his way back to England is a trivial matter when there is a big prize of a potential contract for next season to play for.

“I am very happy, because after a few months of just training I want to be back in competition again,” said the new man, who arrived at Boundary Park in mid-afternoon yesterday.

“I thank Espanyol for allowing me to train there and keep my fitness up.

“I said to (my agent) I just want to be here, play until the end of the season and try to help the team.

“I will do my best — I don’t care about (the cost of) the flights and these things.

“I spoke with the gaffer and have a good feeling. Hopefully I can play and play well.

“We will see after the nine games about next season.

“I am desperate to play football. I have my first session with the lads so I am looking forward to that moment.”

No other movements in or out of Athletic’s squad took place before yesterday’s 5pm deadline.

Matt Smith, meanwhile, was back in the squad that travelled to Swindon today and Johnson said he is looking forward to working with the striker.

Smith, who hurt his knee at Tranmere, is the club’s second-highest scorer this season with eight goals.

Four of those have come in high-profile FA Cup ties against Liverpool and Everton.

“I haven’t seen a lot of him, apart from in training over the last couple of days,” said Johnson of the tall forward, who is out of contract at the end of the season and rumoured to be of interest to sides in the Championship and higher.

“Obviously, he has the raw base there to be a player and he gives us options in our armoury.

“I am pleased he is back and I'm looking forward to working with him.”

FORMER Athletic manager Paul Dickov is reportedly on a three-man shortlist to become the next manager of Stevenage.
Ex-Boro boss Graham Westley, more recently with Preston, and former Luton manager Paul Buckle are believed to be the other contenders at Broadhall Way.