Yeates back in the fast lane

Mark Yeates

Latics 2 Mansfield 0

MARK Yeates is operating at full pelt just at the right time, after getting over his disappointment at not getting another year at Bradford.

The former Tottenham trainee is out of contract with Athletic at the end of this month, when his short-term deal runs to a close.

Manager David Dunn has already said he would like to agree a deal to retain the services of the in-form winger, who turned down a move to work with his former Colchester team-mate Teddy Sheringham in order to stay at League One level.

Yeates, who says he would be “over the moon” to remain with Athletic after settling in at the club, explained how a shoulder operation ruined his summer.

After missing the whole of pre-season, the Dubliner is only now hitting the peak of his form and attracting the praise of Dunn.

“I don’t think many people knew I had gone from Bradford,” said Yeates (30), when asked whether he was surprised there was not more interest in him once he had been released from Valley Parade.

“A lot of clubs had done their business before people were aware of my situation.

“I was still injured through the summer after having my shoulder operated on. Bradford had said at the end of the year, go and get it done.

“My shoulder had dislocated four times and I had just strapped it up and carried on without getting the operation.

“I was seven weeks into rehab before I could even start getting involved in any sort of contact, so I missed the whole pre-season not being able to go to clubs to train.

“I was surprised a deal wasn’t put in front of me at Bradford, to be honest. I played for the gaffer, Phil Parkinson, at a couple of other clubs (Hull and Colchester) and after 50 games last year, starting in over 30, I was expecting at least a year to be put in front of me.

“When it wasn’t, I was still injured so it was a strange summer. I have never been out of contract or missed a pre-season before.

“It was tough and not ideal. I trained at a couple of places and stuff was put in front of me I didn’t think was right at the time.

“I had a couple of offers from League Two clubs and Teddy Sheringham, who I have played with, wanted me to go to Stevenage and I considered it.

“Then I was given the opportunity here and I still felt I should be playing at least at League One level.

“There’s no point in looking back and I have no regrets. Bradford is a big club and well supported and we had good moments last year.

“I wish them all the best. But I am here now and things have gone well in the last few weeks — that’s the main thing.”

Yeates has recently been getting plenty of minutes under his belt in behind-closed-doors training matches, along with team-mates Richard Eckersley and Ricardo Fuller.

Now, he feels that he is getting better with every game that passes.

“When I signed and went straight into the side for the Bradford fixture, I had a good game and probably had an extra bit inside me because against any old club, you want to perform,” Yeates added.

“In the Peterborough game, I probably should have come off after two minutes when I landed on my back. I tried to play on and it was stupid — but you try to get through these things.

“People talk about pre-season and I am finding out now how important it is to get a good one under your belt.”

As for tomorrow’s clash with Barnsley, Yeates admitted those players who worked under Lee Johnson have an added incentive to play well.

He added: “Coming up against any old manager, whether you get on or you don’t, you always want to perform.

“From what I have heard and read, I don’t think the Oldham fans were too happy with how he left.

“There should be a good atmosphere at the game. We have a job to do and will concentrate on ourselves.

“He is a good young manager, without doubt, and I know his father, Gary. It is a good footballing family.”