Burton Albion have secured the services of Oldham Athletic defender Tom Hamer, after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old, who was named in LFE’s ‘The 11’ in February 2018, made his Latics debut three years ago during an EFL Trophy win against Leicester City Under-21s, immediately impressing with a man-of-the-match display.
Since then, he has amassed 105 appearances, captaining the side on several occasions, and was also nominated in the North West Football Awards’ ‘Rising Star’ category last year.
Predominately a right-back, Hamer makes the jump to the third tier with prior experience of the division, having featured seven times during the 2017-18 season, when Oldham were relegated to Sky Bet League Two.
“I’m buzzing to finally get it over the line and I can’t wait to get going,” he told Burton’s website. “I spoke to the manager. Obviously we know the position we’re in and I’ve come here to try and help get us out of that.
“I can play right-back, centre-half or wing-back, I’m quite a versatile defender. I’m quick, good in the air, can put a tackle in – that’s me.”
His new Manager, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, said: “He’s only 21-years-old and is a big prospect. He’s already played over 80 games in the league, some in League Two and some in League One.
“He has big potential and is a good one for the future, but he can come in and affect our squad straight away.”
Hamer added: “I’d like to thank the players, managers and staff I’ve met whilst I’ve been at Oldham. It will continue to be a team close to my heart.
“It’s a club that gave me my first real chance in football and I’ll always be grateful for that. I’ve been extremely proud to have been able to represent this club over the years as well, with the FA Cup game at Fulham being an obvious highlight with the fans there.
“But now is the time to have a new challenge and I hope everyone keeps up their amazing support for this fantastic football club.”
