Elliott Dickman is looking forward to working with new signing Sam Brotherton following the defender’s Academy of Light arrival.
The New Zealand international penned a deal until 2020 last week and will link up with the club’s under-23 side, with Dickman stepping up to the development side following Andy Welsh’s move to Wigan Athletic.
Brotherton, 20, has vast experience Stateside having represented the University of Wisconsin, but it’s his international experience which stands out with the defender featuring six times for the All Whites' senior side.
And although Dickman expects an initial transitional period, he’s looking forward to linking up with the Auckland-born defender.
“He’s a lovely lad with a great personality so we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club and working with him,” said the under-23 boss.
“I’ve seen bits of him before and he will add some international experience to the group, but first and foremost we have to help him adapt to the daily training and how we do things."
He continued: “He’s got to settle and we’ve got to make him comfortable, so although we want him to play it may take him a little while to bed into English football.
“It would be harsh to judge him quickly so it’s important he used the remainder of the season adapt to the tempo and our way of playing, but he’s a good lad and we want him to contribute.”
