The Lower Tiers understands that Oldham Athletic and Notts County are interested in free-agent Theo Vassell following his exit from Barrow.
The defender signed a one-year-contract with Barrow at the start of last season after joining from Salford City.
The 28-year-old was a mainstay ever since and attracted interest from League One and Scottish sides in January after a series of impressive displays. Pete O’Rourke stated that Leyton Orient, Shrewsbury and St Mirren were all interested in bringing the in-form centre-back to the club. However, a move never materialised, at the time.
His solidarity at the back made him one of the best players in League Two last season. After scoring in a 3-0 win at home to Grimsby Town in January, Vassell secured himself a place in WhoScored’s top five players in the league for the season.
About Theo Vassell
Theo Vassell mainly operates as a centre-back but can also fill in at right-back too. Miraculously, last season he showed an eye for goal as well as being a rock at the back. Vassell scored five goals in 32 league games and finished the season as Barrow’s joint second top goalscorer.
Interestingly, Theo Vassell started off his professional career at Oldham but didn’t make a league appearance at the time. He was released after one season at The Latics but he could be returning after 10 years away. There’s no doubt that he’ll want to show them what they’ve been missing the entire time.
It would undoubtedly be a coup for Oldham upon their return to League Two. Notts County’s interest, as well as that of other clubs further up the pyramid earlier this year, suggests this.
Theo Vassell has become a League Two brickwall during his career. His time at Salford City highlights that the most. This was where he made himself known. Vassell made 100 league appearances for The Ammies over the course of three years. Perhaps, it’s the only place he’s felt settled during his career and that’s something that Oldham or Notts County can offer.
Style Of Play
Theo is a very traditional defender who wins most of his aerial duels and is a defensive force at the back. However, he is not a defender you would like as a ball-playing centre-back. That simply isn’t part of his style.
Despite his danger in the box, he has won more than 65% of his duels and was only been dribbled past three times last season. Good numbers for a defender in League Two.
