History of Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
The history of Oldham Athletic A.F.C. football (soccer) team began in 1895.
1895–1923: Early success
The club was formed in 1895 as Pine Villa F.C. before renaming to Oldham Athletic in 1899. Attaining professional status in same year, the Latics played in the local Manchester leagues before gaining entry into the Football League Second Division in 1907. Unlike many clubs, Oldham adapted to their new league status well, finishing in third position in their first league season, missing out on promotion by only two points and boasting an unbeaten home record. After another high finish the following season, the club gained its first ever promotion, finishing ahead of Hull City by virtue of a superior goal average.
In their first ever top flight campaign the Latics again adapted well, finishing in seventh position. After a narrow escape from relegation during the 1911–12 season, the club recovered to reach the FA Cup semi-final in 1913 and achieve a high mid-table finish, followed by a top four placing in the 1913–14 season. The outbreak of the First World War coincided with the Latics' best ever league season – the club finishing runners up to Everton after losing their final two games of the 1914–15 season.
Unfortunately for Oldham, the outbreak of war in Europe forced the domestic English league to be suspended in 1915, and by the time it resumed in 1919, many of the players who had taken the Latics to the brink of the championship had either retired from football or been killed during the war. From this, the club never really recovered and, after battling valiantly against relegation for several seasons, the inevitable relegation finally arrived in 1923 – the club's last top flight game coming away at Cardiff City – a game that would prove to be their last top flight game for 68 years.
1923 to 1940: Interwar struggles
Back in the second division for the first time since 1910, Oldham finished around the top half for several seasons before narrowly missing out on promotion by two points in 1930 to Chelsea. Mid-table finishes followed until 1935 when the club finished 21st in table and were relegated to the Third Division (North) for the first time in their history. Successive top five finishes occurred at the new lower level until the outbreak of the Second World War saw the cancellation of the domestic league programme.
1946–1970: Postwar plight
Again, the outbreak of war hit Oldham hard and, as with the First World War, the club's results deteriorated significantly when the football league resumed finishing in 19th position in the first post-war league season. Disappointing mid-table finishes followed in the subsequent seasons before the signing of former England international George Hardwick as player-manager in 1950 proved the catalyst to a promotion as Third Division (North) champions in 1953. Hopes were again high at Boundary Park but the Latics slumped to relegation after only one season back in the higher tier. Only 25 points were gained from 42 games and 17 of 21 away games ended in defeat.
Back in the Third Division (North) after only one season, Oldham found themselves established in midtable in the division until 1958 when the club's 15th-place finish meant that they became founder members of the new nationalized Fourth Division, two years later having the embarrassment of having to apply for re-election to the Football League with only Hartlepools United finishing below them.
The arrival of Ken Bates as chairman during the 1960s saw an upturn in the club's fortunes and promotion to the Third Division was achieved in 1963 under the management of Jack Rowley. Despite chairman Bates' financial ability to purchase players, narrow escapes from relegation occurred in 1965 and 1966, before the inevitable relegation back to the basement division finally occurred in 1969. With this, Bates left the club, and the result was a poor financial situation and a low finish in the Fourth Division in 1970.
1970–1982: Frizzell's Latics
Scottish defender Jimmy Frizzell took on a player-manager role during the 1969–70 season and, against all odds, led the Latics to an emphatic promotion the following season. Back in the Third Division, a mid-table finish was achieved in 1972 before the Latics missed out on promotion by just three points the following season. An incredible run of ten consecutive league wins during the 1973–74 season (still a club record to this day) laid the foundations for Oldham to win the Third Division title and find themselves back in the Second Division for the first time since 1954.
Frizzell did an excellent job of keeping the Latics away from relegation danger at this higher level, despite tighter finances and lesser gates than many of their rivals. It was therefore a shock that, in 1982 after twelve highly successful years in charge, the popular Scotsman was sacked. He had, however, laid the foundations for what was to come.
The Joe Royle era: 1982 to 1994
1982 to 1989: Pushing for promotion
One of the most successful, and also longest-serving managers in Oldham Athletic's history was Joe Royle, who took over from Jimmy Frizzell as manager just before the start of the 1982–83 season. Royle's first four seasons in charge resulted in moderate midtable finishes before the first signs of success arrived during the 1986–87 season.
That season the club finished third in the Second Division on their new artificial astroturf surface, a position which would have been good enough for automatic promotion in any of the previous thirteen seasons. Unfortunately for Oldham, the 1986–87 season saw the introduction of the promotion play-offs, and they were eventually defeated by Leeds United on the away goals ruling in the play-off semi-final. Two more moderate seasons of football followed before the highly exciting and surprising 1989–90 season transported Oldham into the footballing spotlight for the first time in decades. It was in this period too that BBC GMR's Ian Cheeseman offered an insightful behind-the-scenes at Boundary Park video postcard. In this piece he shrewdly identified the Latics as the old Division Two's "most progressive" club.
1989–1990: The Latics reach Wembley
The 1989–90 season begin in non-descript fashion for the Latics – an opening day 1–0 defeat at near neighbours Blackburn Rovers, home draws against Swindon Town and Watford, and another narrow away defeat at Newcastle United gave no inkling of the excitement to come. The Oldham squad largely consisted of bargain buys and free transfers, the most expensive player being left winger Rick Holden – a £165,000 summer capture from Watford. Andy Rhodes and Jon Hallworth contested the goalkeeper spot; Paul Warhurst, Denis Irwin, Earl Barrett, Andy Barlow, Andy Holden, and the versatile Ian Marshall made up the defence; Neil Adams, Mike Milligan, Nicky Henry, Rick Holden, and Neil Redfearn contested the midfield spots; and the legendary Andy Ritchie, Frankie Bunn, and record goalscorer Roger Palmer completed the attack.
After finally achieving their first win of the season 3–2 at home to Plymouth Argyle, Oldham began the first of their incredible cup runs by beating Leeds United 4–2 on aggregate in the First Round of the League Cup (then named the Littlewoods Cup). The Second Round saw the Latics pitted against Scarborough – the surprise conquerors of First Division Chelsea in the previous round. On an unforgettable night for all, striker Frankie Bunn scored six goals – still a League Cup record – as Scarborough were thrashed 7–0, the other goal coming from the right boot of the prolific Andy Ritchie. The club were in the Second Division promotion play-off zone by the time League champions Arsenal arrived for the League Cup Third Round. Another unforgettable night was in store for the 15,000 plus Oldham fans in that night's crowd as the champions were beaten 3–1. Andy Ritchie was again the hero scoring two superb goals which were sandwiched by young midfielder Nicky Henry's 30-yard (27 m) strike which beat John Lukic in the Arsenal goal.
The win set up the Latics' first ever Quarter Final appearance in the League Cup where they were handed a tough away trip to top flight Southampton – a side lying sixth in their division at that point in time. Matthew Le Tissier gave his Southampton side an early lead before Andy Ritchie headed in an equalizer with just under ten minutes remaining. Another Le Tissier goal from the penalty spot with five minutes left on the clock seemed to have won the tie for the Saints before Ritchie stuck out a boot to Rick Holden's drilled cross to equalize in the fourth minute of injury time and set up a replay back at Boundary Park. The replay saw a comfortable 2–0 win for Oldham with goals coming from a deft Ritchie header and a superbly orchestrated move which captain Mike Milligan finished off.
The semi-finals followed and the vast majority of the 20,000 capacity crowd at Boundary Park were sent home delighted when the Latics beat Second Division promotion rivals West Ham United by an incredible 6–0 scoreline in the first leg. Neil Adams opened the scoring early on, and goals from Ritchie (2), Earl Barrett, Roger Palmer and Rick Holden followed. The 3–0 second leg defeat at West Ham's Upton Park ground proved irrelevant and Oldham were on their way to Wembley for the first time in their 95-year history – their opponents to be Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest.
At the same time however, Oldham had started another excellent cup run, this time in the form of the FA Cup. Few would have expected such an occurrence when Third Division Birmingham City took a 1–0 lead at their St. Andrews ground in the Third Round of that year's competition, but a late equalizer from Frankie Bunn led to a replay at Boundary Park. The replay seemed to be heading for another stalemate before Rick Holden scored an excellent solo goal, weaving through the Birmingham defence, to give the Latics a 1–0 win and set up a Fourth Round tie at home to Second Division Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton took a first half lead before two goals in a minute from Scott McGarvey and Andy Ritchie gave Oldham a hard fought 2–1 win. Everton, at the time one of the leading English clubs, were the visitors to Boundary Park for the Fifth round tie, and raced into a 2–0 half time lead thanks to goals from Tony Cottee and future Oldham player/manager Graeme Sharp. A second half fight back saw the underdogs claim an incredible draw thanks to an Andy Ritchie penalty and a late Roger Palmer header. The replay at Goodison Park was again a draw – ex-Evertonian Ian Marshall's close range header for Oldham being cancelled out by a disputed Kevin Sheedy penalty. Another replay was required, and this time Oldham prevailed – a Roger Palmer goal and an Ian Marshall penalty cancelling out Tony Cottee's early strike to give Oldham a 2–1 win and hand them another home tie, this time against First Division leaders Aston Villa. The Villains were however sent crashing out of the cup – losing 3–0 to Rick Holden's 20-yard (18 m) effort, Neil Redfearn's close range finish and a Chris Price own goal. The Latics' first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1913 saw them pitted against old local rivals Manchester United at Manchester City's Maine Road ground.
Despite talk in the press of Oldham struggling away from their artificial home surface, the game against their more illustrious neighbours was a classic. Earl Barrett tapped in from close range to give the Latics the lead after just five minutes before Bryan Robson's goal for United led to the sides going in at the half-time break level at 1–1. Neil Webb's goal for United with less than twenty minutes remaining looked to have won the tie for the Red Devils but an Ian Marshall volley just five minutes later pegged United back. With the game going into extra time a Danny Wallace goal for United again looked to have won it, before Latics stalwart Roger Palmer popped up late in the second half of extra time to score yet another equalizer and tie the game at 3–3.
The replay was just as exciting, although it proved to be controversial. Brian McClair gave United a second half lead before Andy Ritchie stunned his old side with an equalizer ten minutes from time. Sadly for the Latics there was to be no fairytale ending and Mark Robins, born in nearby Ashton-under-Lyne, a man who was to prove to be the club's nemesis over the years, scored a winner late in extra time for the Manchester side. However, it was later proven on subsequent TV replays that a Nick Henry effort in the first half had clearly crossed the line, but referee Joe Worrall, himself a United season ticket holder, failed to award the goal.
Despite the heartbreak of the FA Cup Semi-Final, Oldham still had their first ever Wembley appearance to look forward to in the League Cup Final. The Latics' exhausted squad however fell to an honourable 1–0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
The club's 19 cup appearances that season had left them with a fixture backlog in their league campaign and they were left with an uphill struggle to make the end of season play-offs, bravely falling short at the final hurdle. An incredible season had left the Latics empty handed, but hopes were high for a promotion assault the following season.
1990–1991: Promoted at last
The 1990–91 season culminated with the Latics regaining their top flight status for the first time in 68 years. Oldham were never out of the top two in the league all season and guaranteed promotion with a 2–1 win at Ipswich Town with four games remaining. The last day of the season saw the Latics entertain Sheffield Wednesday at home, themselves already promoted. The Latics still harboured hopes of winning the Second Division title, but for this to happen they needed to beat the Owls at home and hope that rivals West Ham United failed to beat fourth placed Notts County. This scenario looked highly unlikely when Wednesday raced into a two-goal lead, but goals from Ian Marshall and 17-year-old debutant Paul Bernard levelled the game and set up a tense finish. In an incredible twist of events, Athletic were awarded a 92nd-minute penalty following a foul by future Oldham legend John Sheridan. Neil Redfearn had the task of scoring, and in extremely tense circumstances scored to give the game, and Second Division Championship to Oldham.
The following season in their first top flight campaign since 1923, the Latics achieved a comfortable midtable position, never in any danger of being dragged into the relegation battle.
1992–1994: Premier Latics
In the first ever season of the Premier League (1992–93), Oldham Athletic gained 49 points from 42 fixtures to stay up by the narrowest of margins. With three games remaining, the Latics had attained 40 points and looked doomed, lying second from bottom in the table. For the club to survive relegation, three wins from their final three matches were required, and the Latics had to bank on Crystal Palace gaining no more than one point from their final two matches. Oldham's first game of the final trio was away at second placed Aston Villa – a side who had to win to have any hope of winning that year's title. In a battling display, Latics stalwart Nick Henry scored the winner midway through the first half, a shock result but one that gave hope to an unlikely escape and clinched the first title for 27 years for Manchester United. Three days later Liverpool were beaten 3–2 at Boundary Park, whilst Crystal Palace could only draw at Manchester City. This led to a scenario by which for Oldham to survive, they had to beat fellow strugglers Southampton at home and hope that Crystal Palace were defeated at Arsenal's Highbury ground. Oldham eventually won 4–3 despite leading 4–1 at one stage, whilst Palace lost 3–0 at Arsenal, meaning that the Eagles were relegated on goal difference.
Oldham reached another F.A Cup semi-final in 1993–94, again facing Manchester United. The match, at Wembley Stadium, looked to be going Oldham's way, with Oldham holding a 1–0 lead until Manchester United's Mark Hughes scored a last gasp equalizer in the penultimate minute of extra time. A poor performance in the replay at Maine Road ended Oldham's hopes, and culminated in a disastrous run of results, with the Latics' failing to win any of their remaining seven fixtures. A month later they were relegated from the Premier League after three seasons in the top flight. It is argued by many Oldham fans that the team never recovered from the Mark Hughes goal.
An interesting piece of trivia is that Oldham defeated Chelsea four times (from six meetings ) between 1991 and 1994 – a fact that many would now consider astounding when viewing the two clubs' current league status.
1994–98: Royle departs and the Latics slump
Joe Royle was lured to Everton in October 1994 and 34-year-old striker Graeme Sharp was appointed Oldham's player-manager. Sharp was unable to turn Oldham into genuine promotion contenders, despite most of the Premiership era squad still being on the club's payroll and, with another relegation battle looking likely, he resigned in February of the 1996–97 season. Relegation to the third tier for the first time in 23 years was confirmed three months later following a defeat at Reading.
Sharp was succeeded by Neil Warnock, who had previously achieved promotion success with Scarborough, Notts County (twice), Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle. He was however unable to repeat the same success with Oldham during the 1997–98 Division Two campaign and left after one disappointing year in charge, despite Oldham being in the play-off places until early March.
1998–2001: Disappointment under Andy Ritchie
Former striker Andy Ritchie took over from Warnock in the summer of 1998 but he too was unable to turn things around and Ritchie's first season in charge almost proved to be disastrous. After losing a number of key players during the weeks after his reign began, Ritchie's squad of free transfers and youth team players struggled throughout the 1998–99 season, only avoiding being dragged into the relegation fight by winning their final two matches at home to Stoke City and Reading. The signing of the highly talented veteran Irish international midfielder John Sheridan proved to be the season's only high point.
The following season again began in disastrous fashion, the Latics losing their first five matches and failing to score in the first four. Ritchie's side however recovered well, proving difficult to beat, and losing only four of their nineteen remaining away matches, comfortably finishing in mid-table with 61 points from their 46 league matches.
Hopes were high at the start of the 2000–01 season after a 4–1 opening day win at home to newly relegated Port Vale, but a run of 11 games without a win saw the club slump to second bottom in the league, making relegation look a real possibility. The signings of veteran winger David Eyres and midfielder Tony Carss gave the side added impetus and the Latics recovered well to again finish comfortably mid-table.
2001-2003: Chris Moore's dream turns into a nightmare
During the 2001 close season, local businessman Chris Moore purchased Oldham Athletic, with the promise of providing Premiership football within the next five years.
After a whirlwind start to the 2001–02 season, the Latics lost three consecutive matches, and manager Andy Ritchie was surprisingly sacked after guiding the Latics to 1st in the League. The way in which the hugely popular Ritchie was treated upset many fans at the time. Ritchie's replacement was Mick Wadsworth, a nomadic manager, and several Chris Moore funded big money signings followed. The result was a disappointing ninth-placed finish at the end of the season, although there were high hopes for the following campaign. Wadsworth was also sacked however, and was replaced by his assistant Iain Dowie.
Dowie's expensive side began the 2002–03 season with a narrow home defeat to Cardiff City but recovered well to lose only seven more games for the rest of the season, just two of them away games. The Latics narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, gaining 82 points from their 46 league games to gain entry into the end of season play-offs. The play-off campaign ended in heartbreaking disappointment for Oldham, with Queens Park Rangers winning a tense battle with a late goal at their Loftus Road ground.
Worse was to come for the club, with chairman Chris Moore deciding to end his interest in the club – leaving behind large debts and a decimated playing squad, much to the anger of fans.
Financial rescue
The 2003–04 season began with Oldham fans not knowing whether their club would be able to complete the season due to financial problems, and a distinct threat of relegation due to the loss of several of the previous season's key players.
The club were forced into administration during the October 2003 and things started to look extremely bleak for the club as the financial crisis worsened, and no saviour could be found. The club found its way into the ownership of Marketing Manager Sean Jarvis and club accountant Neil Joy who purchased the club for £1 in an effort to keep the club running.
PR was personified at Boundary Park as Peter Ridsdale threw his hat into the ring as a potential saviour but did not endear himself to Latics fans after claiming that the club was beyond being saved. A short period after this set-back, several suitors then evolved, one a Norwegian consortium led by Vidar Fossdal who came very close to 'buying' the club. Despair set in when it came to light in the eleventh hour that the group were, in fact, cruel hoaxers and had no real financial backing.
The club had only hours to live when an American consortium who had previously looked at Hull City and Huddersfield Town expressed an interest in the club. They agreed with the administrators to fund the £250,000 monthly deficit so they could conduct due diligence. Several months later it was announced that Danny Gazal, Simon Blitz and Simon Corney (aka the 'Three Amigos') would take ownership of the club and also purchase Boundary Park and the surrounding land.
One of the first steps taken by The Three Amigos was to sell 3% of the club for £200,000 to Trust Oldham, the supporters trust. In return for the investment, the Trust would hold an unconditional seat on the board of directors.
2003–2005: Relegation dog fighters
The season started with a moderate run of results, and after being linked with every vacant position at the time, Iain Dowie left the club to join Crystal Palace. With the club managerless, veteran midfielders John Sheridan and David Eyres took on caretaker managerial roles after Dowie's departure before former England international Brian Talbot was lured from Rushden and Diamonds to take over as manager. Talbot lost only one of his first thirteen games, against bottom club Wycombe Wanderers, the result being the Latics finishing comfortably in mid-table.
The 2004–05 season began with renewed optimism at the club but the club struggled until the arrival of loan signings Neil Kilkenny, Mark Hughes, and Lee Croft inspired seven consecutive wins before the Christmas period. The good form did not last however, and despite a fine F.A. Cup run, with the Latics defeating Premiership Manchester City before a battling 1–0 defeat against local rivals Bolton Wanderers, manager Talbot left the club. A dreadful run of eight consecutive defeats – including a heavy 5–1 loss at Bristol City – proved to be his undoing. Former Rotherham United manager Ronnie Moore took charge, and the club just avoided relegation, winning their final game of the season at home in a tense Roses derby with Bradford City.
2005–06: A new era starts
The 2005–06 season saw a totally revamped squad, but despite the new side demonstrating good form around the Christmas period and in March, a dreadful run of only three points from the final seven matches of the season saw the Latics finish in tenth place – six points shy of a place in the end of season play-offs. Still, it was a substantial improvement on the finishes of the previous two seasons, and gave Oldham fans realistic hope that their side will be challenging for promotion in 2006–07. The final game of the season resulted in a low-key 1–1 draw at home to Scunthorpe United – veteran winger David Eyres marking his 234th and final appearance for the club with a fine goal. The match began in sombre mood with an impeccably observed minute's silence being held for the late Colin Shaw – a lifelong fan of the club and part-time employee who had died the previous weekend at the age of 49.
The end of the season saw Oldham fans divided into two camps – one group arguing that with the resources and quality of player available to manager Moore, not to mention the perceived poor quality of League One, tenth place represented a disappointing season. Others argued that despite the quality of football being poor at times, a top ten finish could be viewed as a success after the previous season's battle against relegation. Moore countered the former argument by vowing to get rid of the 'dead wood' at the club and sign players whom he feels possess greater mental strength. However, the chance for Moore to sign new players never arose, as he was sacked, along with his assistant John Breckin, on 1 June 2006 and immediately replaced by reserve team coach John Sheridan. Managing Director Simon Corney cited poor season ticket sales and the general disillusionment amongst fans as the reasons for the surprising decision.
The 2005–2006 season also saw developments off the pitch. On 15 February, the club unveiled proposed plans for the re-development of their current ground, Boundary Park. The plans would see every stand other than the Rochdale Road End being re-developed. The new 16,000 seater stadium would have a four star hotel, conference and banqueting facilities, 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2) of offices and apartments and a leisure and fitness club with swimming pool.
2006–07: Promotion bid
The first two games of the 2006–07 season started with two unfortunate 1–0 defeats, away at Tranmere Rovers and at home to Port Vale. Things would improve though. Good football inspired by the manager, John Sheridan, and several new recruits including Simon Charlton, Neil Wood and Gary McDonald showed the talent Oldham needed to go further. The third game of the season saw John Sheridan's first win in management, a 68th-minute goal from on-loan striker Maheta Molango. Also in attendance was on-loan goal keeper Chris Howarth who saved a Lee Trundle penalty not long after.
After a slow start to the season the team started to achieve more consistency and togetherness. This was epitomised no more so than the home match against Leyton Orient where the Latics fought back from 2–0 and 3–2 down to salvage a draw with a last minute Andy Liddell penalty. By early December, Oldham were sitting comfortably in 4th position in the play-off zone with 35 points in the league, with just a single point separating 4th and 2nd place.
The Manager of the Month award was announced early in December, and John Sheridan won the award for November with his record for November showing one defeat (at home to Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and four wins. This winning run continued into December, until the jinx hit. The match after the manager of the month award was drawn, Oldham lost 2–1, again to Chesterfield at Saltergate, ending Oldham's six game winning run. A draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion followed by an emphatic 3–0 win against Northampton Town in front of 10,207 fans kicked off the festive season.
By New Year's Day John Sheridan was one of only three managers to get a full 12 points over the festive period, Boxing day saw a tough but deserved 3–2 win at Rotherham United before a 500-mile (800 km) round trip to a rainlashed Gillingham saw the Latics win 3–0. Then, on 1/1/2007 they completed the 12 points with a stunning 5–0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest. This left Oldham in 2nd position in league one. Just one point off the top.
Over 3,000 fans travelled to Wolverhampton Wanderers to see Oldham play a tough FA Cup game against Championship opposition. Latics fans were in dismay before the game with striker Chris Porter not appearing. Rumours that he had been sold were soon quenched when it appeared that there was a bereavement in the family. The game ended 2–2 with a chopped and changed Latics side deserving the replay at Boundary Park. Sadly for Oldham, the replay was won 2–0 by Wolves.
The Latics made their first acquisition of the 2007 January transfer window on the 9th by signing former Preston North End and Leeds United defender/midfielder Sean Gregan on a two and a half year contract following a successful loan spell.
Two leagues games against fellow promotion hopefuls followed with Latics scraping a dramatic last gasp draw away to Scunthorpe United, after Scunthorpe were reduced to nine men. Bristol City then thrashed Latics 3–0 in their own back yard. But Latics bounced back with a deserved 3–2 win over Northampton sending them second in the league.
Ronnie Moore returned to a hostile Boundary Park to see his Tranmere team beaten 1–0 with a 92nd minute Chris Porter goal, although Richie Wellens was sent off in the 95th minute and missed the next three games. This result sent Oldham to the top of the table. After beating Swansea City 1–0 away from home Oldham went 5 games without a win, a bad spell which left their automatic promotion push in tatters as Bristol City, Scunthorpe United, Nottingham Forest and Yeovil Town all pushed ahead of Oldham. With fighting spirit Oldham fought hard to go unbeaten all through March and to the beginning of April which helped them stay in contention for a playoff spot. After a draw against two local rivals, Huddersfield Town at home and away to Bradford City, Oldham stuttered over the line, finishing in sixth place following a nervy final day win over relegated Chesterfield.
For the second time in five seasons Oldham Athletic reached the playoffs and failed. Two disallowed goals marred the second leg against Blackpool, it was later discovered that they should have been allowed thanks to video replays. The opinion of many is that John Sheridan did well to get to the playoffs with the team he had available, whilst others argue that after a string of impressive performances until February means that sixth place was a disappointing finish.
2007–08
Oldham Athletic went into the 2007–08 season with arguably one of the strongest squads in the league, signing former England international and ex-Bolton Wanderers striker Michael Ricketts, Welsh international striker Craig Davies from Italian side Hellas Verona, and ex-West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes. That completed the forward line-up, and Sheridan also brought in former Latics striker Mark Allott to play in midfield along with the Democratic Republic of Congo international, ex-Yeovil Town and playoff final loser JP Kalala. Also added to the squad for a three-month loan period was Australian international Neil Kilkenny, making his second loan spell at the club in four years. To add to the defence, Sheridan brought ex-Nottingham Forest and Irish international John Thompson, Reuben Hazell and, also on a three-month loan, left-back Ryan Bertrand.
After a promising pre-season where the team gelled reasonably well, most notably against Sheffield Wednesday, they kicked off the new season with a fortunate 2–1 win at home to Swansea. This was followed quickly by a 4–1 win, also at home, against Mansfield Town in the League Cup.
After a bright start Latics fortunes went downhill, losing their next four league games and being dumped out of the League Cup by Championship side Burnley. The Latics did, however, come back from a 2–0 deficit to beat Accrington Stanley 3–2 in the Johnson's Paint Trophy. Most notably, Lee Hughes, imprisoned for three years for causing death by dangerous driving, made his debut in a poor 4–1 loss at Hartlepool United.
Walsall away was hoped to be the turning point in Oldham's season, scoring three goals without reply, with the Latics coming away with a much deserved and much needed three points, Crewe at home followed a week later and after going 2–0 down Oldham once again recovered well to win 3–2, in a game where the team showed plenty of promise and created a number of goal scoring opportunities.
Shortly after the Crewe game it was announced the Lee Hughes was to have a double hernia operation, leaving him out of the playing side for 3–4 weeks. The English press would have to wait longer to get their headlines of his first goal to print.
Yorkshire rivals Leeds United were the next visitors to Boundary Park on Tuesday 2 October, the Latics competed in an evenly matched Roses derby, although the visitors took all three points; scoring a 95th-minute winner from Ian Westlake.
This result was neutralised on New Years Day when Oldham ran out 3–1 winners at Elland Road. The team won the 'Performance of the Week' accolade as Leeds had not been beaten in their own back yard for 10 months. John Sheridan was reported to have said it was the best match of his managerial career. Four days later, Oldham visited Goodison Park to play Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. An opportunist 25-yard strike by Scottish midfielder Gary McDonald was the difference between the two sides as Oldham ran out 1–0 winners. Although BBC pundit Alan Hansen largely dismissed the result due to Everton fielding an apparently below par team, he failed to announce that Oldham were without six of their first team players. Sky Sports News quoted the shock scoreline as the result of the round.
Oldham have since been largely inconsistent, particularly at home, this being emphasised by a 1–0 defeat at home to struggling Hartlepool United, which was then followed by a 3–1 victory against promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers. They finished eighth in the division with 67 points, but were nine points adrift of the playoff places. In the final match of the season, Oldham routed Crewe Alexandra 4–1 with Gary McDonald scoring in his final game for the club in the 69th minute.
References
External links
- History at OldhamAthletic.co.uk
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