Irish amateur international striker Dean Kelly has signed for the Latics on a six-month contact. The 24-year-old has impressed the Athletic backroom staff sufficiently enough in pre-season trials to be offered the short-term deal. Kelly scored 30 goals last season for Crumlin United in the Leinster Senior League and
Dickov commented, “What stood out from day one was Dean's natural ability for someone who plays amateur football in Ireland and who only trains a couple of times a week. Dean is a natural goalscorer who also holds up the ball well. He still has a lot of work to do but, without wanting to build him up too much, we believe he has a good chance of making it. I believe there is a lot of talent out there which does not get a chance.Dean is a rough diamond with a lot to learn, but hopefully he will shine through.”