To get the ball rolling we have pleasure in introducing our new reporter, Cory Hazlehurst, who we hope will be a regular contributor this season. Here are his feelings about his beloved Oldham Athletic for the coming season:
Oldham’s main aim as the 2003/4 season kicked off was to make sure their current situation didn’t get any worse; with relegation to Division three, or even more catastrophic than that. They were on the verge of bankruptcy and many of our best players were sold (such as Fitz Hall to Southampton and Clint Hill to Stoke) for a pittance, angering many fans and Iain Dowie, the manager. As Chris Moore decided to no longer bankroll Oldham’s debts of £50, 000 a week, Oldham needed to find a new buyer fast, and were often within 48 hours of folding before being rescued in February 2004.
Prospective owners came and went. Oldham were so desperate they were even prepared to consider an offer from Peter Ridsdale, but he said that Oldham were “beyond hope”. A nice confidence boost there! Oldham were finally taken over by a trio of British mobile phone tycoons based in America. And Oldham celebrated this on “Celebration Sunday”, which was definitely my match of the season (and finally we move to footballing matters!). The new owners let the crowd in for free, and a full house of over 13, 000 attended. There were so many people in even season ticket holders were turned away! Oldham were 5-0 up at half time against a hapless Grimsby side, and inexplicably let their feet off the gas after that, to only win 6-0. Beating Plymouth 4-1 was also another highlight...
Unfortunately Oldham’s football was rarely as free-flowing as that. Many times I despaired at too many longballs downfield. One such example was against Hartlepool. Punts to the opposition’s defence downfield, a couple of scrappy goals, and Latics edging ever close to the relegation zone…
But Oldham survived, thanks to a few decent signings. One was a dangerous midfielder courtesy of Bolton, Jermaine Johnson, who looks set to replace Wayne Andrews as the quick-as-lightning-but-can’t-shoot-straight forward or attacking midfielder. Also Mark Bonner. The former Cardiff midfielder played in 7 of Athletic’s last 9 games. We only lost one of them and ensured we would stay in Division 2 next season (well, we would have done if its name had not been changed to “League One”).
As our squad was decimated, some young players had to advance to the fore. Scott Vernon finished top scorer in his first full season, and Adam Griffin impressed at left back. Other notable young ‘uns include Scottish defender Will Haining and fellow centre-back Danny Hall. I think Haining can advance his game, and will surely at some stage play for a club in a higher league. Will it be with Oldham??? Our new signing of forward Rodney Jack is our latest search for a 30 (or 20, or 15…) goal a season striker, and despite being a trainee at Spurs, South African Mark Arber should be a rock in defence.
I think the only way for Oldham is forwards. We have a new(ish) manager, an ambitious boardroom, and many players on short-term contracts who will want to impress and receive better, longer deals. Reaching the Play-offs is not that realistic yet, but top half should be, hopefully.
My tip for the title is Bristol City. So often nearly-men, finishing one point from 2nd place last season, but this season could go all the way. It depends if new manager Brian Tinnion can carry on Danny Wilson’s good work. I think newly promoted Hull could reach the playoffs, as they are ambitious and have a good side, as well as Nicky Barmby. I think Walsall will bounce straight back up as runners-up. Doncaster could make it three successive promotions, but I seriously doubt it. The three other playoff teams, in my opinion, will be Swindon (again), Port Vale (almost again) and Sheffield Wednesday, after several good signings.
The four to go down, I’m afraid, will be Chesterfield and Peterborough (both perennial strugglers), Milton Keynes Dons (my possibly outrageous tip, though they are a club on the way down) and Barnsley.
To round up my preview, there are always some matches you eagerly await, and cannot afford to lose. I have two main teams like this. My Dad supports Sheffield Wednesday, so to beat them and achieve bragging rights is an opportunity not to be missed! As I go to college in Huddersfield, thrashing them twice would ensure I don’t need to wander around college with a paper bag over my face!
Cory Hazlehurst
Coming tomorrow - Andy Beill gives us his views of newly promoted Hull City's chances for the coming season.