Former Dale keeper handed Oldham chance

Athletic chance for former Dale keeper James Spencer.

Oldham Athletic are giving goalkeeper James Spencer the chance to resurrect his football career after he was released by Rochdale this summer.

The 24-year-old, who is training at Boundary Park, was one of five trialists who appeared in Oldham's 2-0 victory at Hyde United in a pre-season friendly last night (Monday 13 July).

Athletic are looking for goalkeeping cover for Dean Brill after allowing Greg Fleming to join Scottish side Dunfermline on a season-long loan.

They were alerted to the availability of Spencer, who is yet to find a club after he was released by Dale.

Spencer made his debut for Stockport County at the age of 16 in 2002, going on to make 108 first-team appearances and at one time being linked with lucrative moves to Sunderland and West Brom.

But after having limited opportunities in 2006/07 he joined Rochdale that summer on a two-year contract.

Spencer made only 22 appearances for Dale in his two years at the club as he suffered a double hernia and stress fracture of the hip.

He joined Chester City on an emergency loan for their final five matches of the season, but was unable to prevent them being relegated from the Football League.

Manager Dave Penney said: “James has a lot of experience with Stockport and Rochdale and looked like being a top keeper at one stage, but he has lost his way.

“It was probably a bit unfair last night as James didn’t have a save to make. He probably wanted shots flying, but I wasn’t really able to judge him.”