Tony Philliskirk has spoken exclusively to oldhamathletic.co.uk for the first time following his son's move to Premiership giants Chelsea.

16-year-old Danny agreed to a switch to Stamford Bridge last week, with both clubs keeping the terms of the deal firmly under wraps.

Philliskirk junior began his association with Latics when he joined the Centre of Excellence aged 9, and rose through the youth ranks to sign a two-year scholarship contract with the club last month.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Director of Football Frank Arnesen beat off competition from a number of other top-flight sides to land the youngster, who joins on a four-year deal.

The highly-rated striker will complete a two-year scholarship before beginning a two-year professional deal.

Dad Tony is, of course, head of the youth development system at Boundary Park, and he revealed that he was in "a strange position" as all concerned edged towards a deal:

"On the one hand I had to put my Oldham hat on and consider the club, but then there's my perspective as a father looking to do what's best for his son," he revealed.

"At the end of the day there were a lot of mixed emotions, but I think everyone's happy in the end. 

"Obviously the two clubs are pleased with the financial arrangements they've made, and from a family point of view we are pleased that our son is going to one of the best clubs in the world.

"I've seen a lot of youth academies in the UK and around the world, and Chelsea's ranks as one of the best.  That kind of environment gives players a great opportunity to be the best players they can be.

"Now we're short of strikers in our own youth set-up, and there's a free place in the squad.

"Let's just say the scouts have been told to go out and get looking, but I won't bring someone in simply for the sake of it.

"One less person in the squad means an extra opportunity for someone else."