LATICS fans’ favourite David Eyres has hailed the work of Supporters’ Trust chairman Barry Owen in helping him earn a new deal at Boundary Park.

Eyres seemed to be on his way out of Boundary Park when contract talks broke down after he was asked to take a pay cut for the second consecutive season.

However, with Mr Owen acting as a third party between the club and Eyres – holidaying in Florida at the time – a satisfactory agreement was reached with the player signing on the dotted line for another year on Monday, following the first day of pre-season training.

Eyres said: “They wanted to cut my basic pay which I thought was unfair because I proved last season I was capable of playing by playing in 53 games.

“However, we have come to an agreement and everything’s been sorted out – it probably wouldn’t have happened but for Barry Owen who played his part in keeping me at the club.

“He kept in touch with me while I was in Florida and said he was working as hard as possible.

“Barry and my agent worked wonders and I understand the club are sorting out some sort of benefit game for me at the end of the season.

“The fact that the club are prepared to do that is nice and obviously I’m hoping it will be an occasion to remember.”

Eyres maintained he always wanted to remain at Boundary Park, having joined the club in October 2000.

However, there were other clubs waiting in the wings if things could not be agreed.

Eyres explained: “A couple of clubs were interested in talking to me and were sitting waiting but I had always made it clear I wanted to stay at Oldham Athletic.

“I don’t really want to name the clubs but they were from the North West, two of them were from our division and one the division below.

“Ronnie Moore and John Breckin have assured me they see me as a player this season and, if my legs feel okay at the end of the season, I’m prepared to carry on.”

DON'T miss our feature on the forthcoming League One campaign and the Carling Cup draw in this week's Oldham Advertiser!

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