We are pleased to confirm the signing of defender Josef Yarney after a successful trial period.
The 25-year-old former Everton and Newcastle youth player joins Latics on a non-contract basis having previously played 75 times in the National League with Chesterfield.
“I’m very happy to have signed for the club and I’m looking forward to being able to be part of the group,” said Yarney.
“I’m the sort of defender who loves a challenge, I focus first and foremost defending but I also enjoy being on the ball.
“Our main aim as a defensive unit has got to be making sure we are tight and defend well.
“I’ve spent two-and-a-half years in this division with Chesterfield so I know what it’s all about. We’re got a really good group of lads here, the club shouldn’t be in the position it is, but we’re working hard to make sure we turn things around.”
Yarney began his career as a youngster at Everton before moving to Newcastle in 2018, where he spent a season in the academy before progressing to the senior set-up.
He played 21 games in League Two whilst on loan at Morecambe before spending the second part of the 2018/19 season at Chesterfield.
The defender moved to the Spireites on a permanent basis in the summer of 2019, making 60 appearances over two seasons before joining Weymouth in October 2021.
His last club was Indian Super League side RoundGlass Punjab, for whom he played last season.
Yarney has spent recent weeks training with the club and is available for selection in this afternoon’s game at Dorking. He has been allocated squad number 44.