It has been a strange summer for Paul Warne as the 34-year-old up-rooted his family and made the 300-mile trip to Somerset to sign for Yeovil after surprisingly being released by Oldham. The versatile Warne was a vital cog in an Oldham side that reached the play-offs – as did Yeovil last season – but was told he was going to be released by John Sheridan just two days after their defeat to Blackpool. It came out of the blue after the verbal offer a new contract from the Latics in January left him convinced he would see out his days at Boundary Park. However, as givemefootball's Ian Clarkson discovered, you can never say never in football and Warne has linked up with Russell Slade at Huish Park.
Q:WHY DID YOU SIGN FOR YEOVIL AND NOT OTHER CLUBS CLOSER TO HOME SUCH AS BRADFORD AND ROTHERHAM?
A:When I left Oldham I didn't want to leave for a club below them because then it would look like that decision to release me was justified. It is a good football decision for me because it would have been easier to sign for the clubs that were interested in Yorkshire.
Q:COMFORTING TO KNOW THOUGH THAT PLENTY OF CLUBS WERE INTERESTED?
A:I had more clubs interested in me than I thought I would, but I spoke to Russell on numerous occasions and his charm and persuasion encouraged me to come and have a look around. I liked the look of the club and the way Yeovil play the game suits my style.
Q:WAS IT A SURPRISE TO BE RELEASED FROM OLDHAM?
A:It was a massive surprise to leave Oldham. In January I was told I was going to be offered a new two-year deal by the manager and the owners of the club. The owners of the club said that even if I broke my leg the contract would be there for me. I thought I would concentrate on my football and leave all the negotiations until the end of the season because I was just happy to know I had the security for my family.
Q:WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE NO LONGER GOING TO BE PART OF OLDHAM'S FUTURE?
A:I walked into the office one day still not even thinking that I wasn't going to get a contract and John (Sheridan) just turned around and told me he was releasing me.
Q:HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU HEARD THE NEWS?
A:I was sick to my stomach and drove away from the club to the B & Q car park and just cried my eyes out. It was a massive shock and it wasn't until a week after, when a few clubs started to show an interest in me, that I began to come to terms with it.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS NOW?
A:I have had lots of kind letters from Oldham fans, but it feels like I have to prove John Sheridan wrong. Signing for Yeovil is brilliant for me and I think a lot of Oldham fans are surprised that the club has let me go. I am hoping that I can be involved in a similar season to the one Yeovil had last year. I wouldn't have signed for a team that I didn't think was going to do well. That makes me feel good about myself and coming here is like a new chapter in my life.
