New signing Dale Stephens says that chance to ply his trade with Athletic was too good to miss.

The promising midfielder officially completed his short move from near neighbours Bury yesterday and met his new team-mates for the first time on Monday.

Stephens was handed his big break at Gigg Lane, opening his career goalscoring account with a stunning strike against Bradford as well as facing Southampton in the FA Cup.

The Shakers had offered a new deal, but Athletic stepped in with an offer to take the player to Boundary Park on a two-year deal.

"I first heard of Oldham's interest towards the end of my Bury contract - I read in the papers they tried signing me in January but I knew nothing of that," Stephens said.

"I'm here now and I want to enjoy it.  I'm very grateful to Bury for what they've done for me, but coming here was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss.

"I got some great experience at Bury and playing against teams like Southampton in the FA Cup has given me some fantastic memories."

There's one particular person Stephens wants to learn from - manager John Sheridan.

He revealed: "My dad watched the manager at Bolton and to be honest he was a big factor in my decision to join.  Hopefully I can learn a thing or two from him and start playing more games.

"The lads and the coaching staff have been great with me so far even though I've only been here for three days.  Training's been good and I'm looking forward to the season.

"I'd describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder.  I wouldn't say I like sitting but I can do that, although I like to get forward."

The 20-year-old is already setting targets for his first season at the higher level and has pledged to push hard for a starting spot from the outset.

But he faces stiff competition for a place in the midfield four, with last season's player of the year Mark Allott, JP Kalala, Danny Whitaker, Chris Taylor, Kieran Lee, Andy Liddell and Deane Smalley also in the frame.

Right-back Neal Eardley also proved his competence in the middle late last season and could come into the reckoning as well.

"I know it's going to be tough getting in the team, but I'm here to play and am not going to sit back and watch other people play in my position," he explained.

"I'll be putting pressure on them as they will on me.  I want to play as many games as possible and I feel I can do that at Oldham.

"There's some decent teams in this division and it'll be tough, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."