Oldham Athletic’s new signing Korey Smith has admitted he returned to Boundary Park due to the success of his loan spell at the end of last season.
After seven years at Norwich City, where he won promotion from League One in 2010, the midfielder has signed a two-year contract and will move on July 1.
Despite offers from several Championship clubs, Smith was keen to make his ten-game loan spell for Latics a permanent move.
“I enjoyed my time here and the lads, manager and everybody around the club were quality,” he said.
“The manager was, like me, a small midfield player and he has helped me and given me advice to improve my game.
“I decided this was the best place to come. Hopefully I will play regularly and my career can kick on.
“It is the start of a new adventure and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Smith made his debut in Lee Johnson’s first game as Oldham manager after captain Dean Furman left on loan to Doncaster Rovers.
Johnson recommended Smith to Athletic before his appointment in March and played a key role in bringing back the 22-year-old.
“If we had not courted Korey properly he would have gone elsewhere,” added Johnson.
“It is a classic example of putting in the effort to get a player of his quality.
“Korey knows how highly I rate him and I always trust him on the field. In his time here on loan, he only had one half which was not great.”
The former Norwich man is Oldham’s fourth summer signing after the captures of Jonson Clarke-Harris, James Dayton and Dutchman Sidney Schmeltz.
Meanwhile, Latics’ Capital One Cup first round tie against Derby County – their opening home game of the season – will cost a reduced-price £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Image courtesy of SkySports, via YouTube, with thanks.
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