Flynn ready to defy the odds

RYAN FLYNN . . . new chapter in career of the skilful midfield man.

RYAN Flynn has swapped life at the favourites for the title for a new start with the club most-fancied to go down, but the Scottish schemer would not have things any other way.

The ex-Liverpool trainee left Sheffield United at the end of 2015-16 and despite attracting interest from the likes of Coventry, the vision of Stephen Robinson was persuasive enough to commit the former Blades man to SportsDirect.com Park.

BUSINESS

Flynn's arrival is arguably the highest-profile piece of business done by Athletic in the summer. Many will remember him from the stunning goal that dumped Aston Villa out of the FA Cup two years ago on their way to the semi-finals of the competition.

Bookmakers have Robinson's men marked as the side most likely to suffer relegation to League Two.

Flynn, though, says he and his team-mates are not so lacking in motivation that they need to look at the pre-season odds.

"I would imagine the media will be writing us off," said Flynn, who spent five years at Bramall Lane, making 195 appearances and scoring 19 goals, before being released.

"That's nothing to do with us though, is it? People can say what they want to say and we just have to focus on ourselves and look after ourselves.

"That could be another incentive but I don't think we need any more incentive, to be honest.

"Oldham have had indifferent seasons and there has been a lot of changeover in players which makes it hard to maintain consistency.

"If players do well and get sold on it can become difficult.

"I have played against Oldham many times and have never found an easy game. Hopefully, we can be that hard-to-beat team."

Flynn credits Robinson's plans for making his decision a simple one.

He leaves United with no regrets and the versatile midfielder is relishing throwing himself into the fray at Athletic.

"Once I had spoken to the gaffer here, my mind was made up. It was a lot to do with him, really," Flynn said.

"From season to season there were different reasons why we didn't win promotion at Sheffield United. It just wasn't to be.

'GOOD TIMES'

"We had good cup runs, one in the FA Cup and another in the League Cup. There were some good times and I don't have anything bad to say about the club.

"I am aiming to enjoy my time here now. It is a new chapter in my career and a new challenge and I am looking forward to it."