With less than a month to go and with all the pre season previews here, there and everywhere, it's time we took another look at how our own team, Oldham Athletic, will fare for the season
Last season was typical Latics really, more ups and downs than a manic-depressive who keeps winning the lottery, highs and lows there were plenty. As far as highs go, knocking City out of the FA Cup will be talked about in Oldham pubs for years to come, but it was one of several. Personally Bradford away was fantastic, Latics were imperious as they were against Hull at home and the sense of relief when we stayed up on the last day was extraordinary. Strangely a truly wonderful time for me was Huddersfield away a game we actually lost. Latics were two-nil down at half time but really rallied in the second half and were it not for an over-zealous linesman may have gone on to get at least a draw. Though they did pull one back what made it memorable was the tremendous noise the Latics faithful made, Oldham had lost seven in a row but rather than sink into a silent despair, they rose to their feet and sang out there hearts. It was enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, Oldham spirit in all its noisy beauty.
As for lows one is slightly spoiled for choice; Hull away, Brentford at home, Torquay at home and getting literally knocked for six by Tottenham in the League Cup were all experiences I’d sooner forget.
Season 2005/06 however brings renewed hope, ‘The Three Amigos’ have made it possible for Ronnie Moore to ply his trade in the transfer market and after a glut of signings the squad is looking decidedly more impressive. With the likes of Wellens and Liddel now donning the famous blue and white and with Ronnie Moore at the helm, the foundations for ‘Fortress Boundary Park’ have been strengthened and the play-offs suddenly look a distinct possibility.
The youth to look out for will be Marc Tierney and Kelvin Lomax, both who impressed last season, however eyes will very much be on the young Chris Porter who has signed from Bury and looks promising to say the least.
What fills me with the greatest confidence of all though is the backroom staff at Boundary Park, messrs Sheridan, Moore and Breckin working with the playing staff are more than capable, but it is the owners who deserve the most heartfelt accolades. It wasn’t so long ago at all that the club nearly went under but they stepped in, paid off the debts and are slowly but surely turning Oldham Athletic into a force again. Sometimes I feel they don’t get the gratitude they deserve but Mr Blitz, Mr Corney and Mr Gazal please know that the three of you now occupy a place in the heart of every Oldham supporter.
As for who I want to beat next season, apart from everybody, Blackpool have enjoyed there temporary dominance over us a little too much in recent years, so it’s the six points we’ll take off them next season I will find particularly delicious.
And finally predictions. Predictions are not traditionally a forte of mine, but here (maybe a tad optimistically?) goes:
Champions: Bristol City
Runners-up: Tranmere Rovers
P/O 1: Oldham Athletic
P/O 2: Doncaster Rovers
P/O 3: Huddersfield Town
P/O 4: Nottingham Forest
R: Walsall
R: Southend United
R: Colchester United
R: Chesterfield
Anthony McNamara (Editor Oldham Mad)