Defender George Edmundson is in this week's main feature interview in the Boundary Park Life matchday programme.
ATHLETIC’S talented young defender George Edmundson is determined to repay the club with more confident performances after they offered him a new two-year contract in the summer, writes the Oldham Chronicle’s Simon Smedley.
Timperley-born Edmundson, aged 21, has been in terrific form so far this term.
He’s played in every game in Athletic’s rearguard as Frankie Bunn’s side have made an encouraging start to life in League Two.
Athletic’s traumatic relegation in May must have left Edmundson wondering whether his future at Boundary Park would be in doubt – despite the fact he still had a year left on his contract – but far from exiting the club, chiefs were obviously keen to secure the future of one of their prized assets.
“We had a few meetings after we were relegated,” said Edmundson.
“But despite that the chairman was pleased with how I’d been playing towards the end of last season.
“He said he wanted to reward me for my efforts, and though I still had a year left on my previous contract, he just wanted to make sure I’d stay and I was happy here.
“I signed the new deal straight away, and that feels good because it shows the club trust me, and have faith in me.
“That’s a big thing for a player at this stage of my career – now I just want to repay the club with consistent good performances.
“Maybe in past seasons it was on my mind that I was only signed on a one-year contract, but now I’ve got two years I can really settle down, enjoy my football, and play well.
“It’s definitely given me a confidence boost, and since the season started the manager has shown faith in me by playing me.
“I can’t ask for more than that really.”
For the rest of Edmundson's interview and much more, make sure you pick up a match day programme for this Saturday's fixture at home to Colchester United on Saturday, September 22 (3pm kick off).
Programmes only cost £3 and can be purchased from stands around the ground.
Whilst you're here...
The EFL annual general meeting, which took place over the summer, saw clubs vote to remove the obligation to print a programme at every home game.
Despite this change in the league rules, Latics will continue to produce a 64-page programme for every home league game and a reduced edition for cup matches - but it needs your backing.
While our club partners continue to support us, and fans still buy the programme in sufficient numbers, we will continue to produce a programme for the foreseeable future.