Released Potter Joins Oldham

Last updated : 02 August 2010 By Dan Buxton

Former Potters defender Rodney McDonald has signed for Oldham, after a successful trial at the League One club.

McDonald, 17, was released by the Potters at the end of last season after failing to earn a professional contract at the Britannia Stadium.

The ex-Manchester City defender was part of the academy side after signing from Eastlands in 2007 and was largely impressive showing great composure both on the ball and also when attempting to regain possession.

The centre back, who was well known for his driving runs from defence to the final third of the pitch, was one of four players who narrowly missed out on contracts as the Potters decided to award just Louis Moult with a deal, despite the clubs most successful side since becoming an academy over 10 years ago.

That decision was more to do with the Potters vision of becoming a top 10 club than McDonald's ability and he would no doubt have been handed a deal had Stoke not progressed so rapidly in the last few seasons.