Oldham have continued a summer of rebuilding with the signing of former England international Michael Ricketts.

Having lost last season's top goalscorer Chris Porter to Motherwell, Oldham boss John Sheridan has worked tirelessly to improve his striking options with the acquisitions of Lee Hughes, pending his release from prison, Craig Davies and now, Ricketts.

Ricketts was available on a free transfer after leaving Preston in the close-season, and Oldham have wasted little time in securing his services on a three-year deal.

Since winning an England cap during his Bolton days, Ricketts' career has plummeted somewhat, but Sheridan is confident he is capable of rejuvenating the career of a player who, if fit and on form, could prove to be a major asset in League One.

Ricketts believes he all the attributes to still be a potent threat and it is with enthusiasm that he looks to spearhead Oldham's push for promotion next season.

"I've not had the football I would have liked in recent seasons, and that's certainly had an impact on my performances," he told the club's official website.

"However, I'm looking forward, I feel I'm now as fit as ever and am highly motivated to make every success of my time at Oldham.

"I had offers from four Championship clubs to spend pre-season with them.

"However, I just felt that Oldham had gone all out to secure my signature - they'd shown an interest from the end of last season.

"I also felt that coming here would give me the best chance of playing regular first-team football in order to show I still have the ability to play at a high level."

Meanwhile, Chris Hall, who gave up full-time football to fulfil his acting ambitions, has pitched up at Oldham's North West neighbours Stalybridge Celtic.

Poor old Oldham. Do they not know what they have done?

Take it from a Walsall fan that Ricketts is a well balanced chap - he has chips of equal size on both shoulders.

Waster, tosser, wnaker etc etc etc

Is he an ok sort of a bloke?

Looking at his kite these days his biggest chips are the ones on his dinner plate, just next to his treble portion of kebab meat.