Salford City are set to make a statement signing by securing the services of former Wigan Athletic defender Will Aimson.
In what will be the first incoming of the Peter Cklamovski’s era in Greater Manchester, Salford are setting down the gauntlet as they aim for another shot at promotion to League One.
Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Ammies are set to beat the competition for the former Latics centre-half.
There was some surprise when Wigan announced their retained list, and Aimson’s name was included on the list of players leaving the Brick Community Stadium this summer. A similar level of shock will be felt that the 32-year-old is heading for League Two, as it appeared he could still perform at a higher level. With 43 League One appearances in the most recent campaign, he formed a partnership alongside captain Jason Kerr, who has recently joined Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
The disparity between the two transfers is quite extreme for most to see, although Salford are undoubtedly an ambitious outfit. His availability at his former outfit was one of his best strengths, with only goalkeeper Sam Tickle playing more minutes in the 25/26 campaign. Perhaps age is catching up with him, causing the defender to have an indifferent year as Wigan battled at the wrong end of the third tier.
However, Aimson will bring a wealth of experience with him to the Peninsula Stadium. Not since the start of the decade has he dropped below League One, playing for Plymouth Argyle, Bolton Wanderers and Exeter City.
Statement Of Intent By Salford
After their rapid rise from regional football to the Football League, Salford have found League Two a tougher nut to crack. Several managers have come and gone as a result of their failure to give the Greater Manchester outfit their first season at League One level. Karl Robinson was the latest man to feel the wrath of the demanding owners, who have made it abundantly clear what their expectations are, despite coming closer than ever before to reaching the third tier.
It would be amiss to talk about Salford and not mention money. While their first arrival of the summer transfer window is set to be a free agent, his wages are certain to be higher than the fourth-tier average. This heavy metal approach hasn’t yet provided the desired outcome, though the Ammies do appear to be getting closer.
As Salford prepare for their eighth season at this level since promotion from the National League, they will be aiming to banish the ghosts of their failed play-off campaign and achieve automatic promotion this term.
