Sports Editor Tony Bugby brings us the latest from Oldham Athletic.
THERE IS a saying that all good things must come to an end and Latics’ long unbeaten run did just that at Sky Bet League One leaders Bristol City last Saturday.
It was Latics’ first loss in 14 league and cup matches, a run stretching back to the last week of August when they lost at Preston North End.
The 1-0 defeat at Ashton Gate was no disgrace as City opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
It was disappointing as Latics had been on the cusp of breaking the club record which stood at 15 league and cup games unbeaten which was set in the early 1950’s.
The chance to create history seldom happens and there had been genuine excitement that they would surpass the achievements from George Hardwick’s time as manager when they were unbeaten in the last two matches of 1950/51 and first 13 games of 1951/52.
Still, the long unbeaten run has totally changed the complexion of Latics’ campaign as they went from the relegation places to a top-six play-off spot.
And there is a genuine belief that Latics can challenge for promotion having been the tips for relegation from most of the bookmakers before the season kicked off.
There has been so much to cheer, none more so than the form of Jonathan Forte, the striker signed on a free transfer from Southampton in the summer.
Forte, surplus to requirements with Saints, has scored 11 goals in 13 appearances, and that is despite having a gammy knee which sometimes makes it hard for him to play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday.
Manager Lee Johnson had to create an almost complete new team in the summer following the departures of a number of key players including Korey Smith, James Wesolowski, Jonathan Grounds and Jonsson Clarke-Harris.
And Johnson has shown to be a shrewd and canny operator in the transfer market by bringing in players who needed with issues and in need of some TLC.
Television pundit Steve Claridge, working on the The Football League Show on BBC One, remarked on this saying some of the players Johnson has brought in were in need of an arm around the shoulder due to events at their previous clubs.
And the likes of Liam Kelly, James Wilson and Forte had seen their careers stall before they arrived at Latics where they have been revitalised and rejuvenated.
You must be logged in to post a comment.