Sports Editor Tony Bugby brings us the latest from Oldham Athletic.
WHAT AN amazing turnabout in the fortunes of Oldham Athletic as they lie on the fringe of the play-off places in Sky Bet League One.
Last Saturday’s 2-1 win against Walsall at SportsDirect.com Park extended the unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions.
It has seen Latics climb from the relegation places to eighth in the table, and only out of the play-off places by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
When Latics failed to win in their first five league and cup matches, it looked as though the bookmakers were right when they had Lee Johnson’s side one of the favourites to be relegated.
Johnson made a plea for patience to disgruntled fans as he was aware it was a new-look side following the summer departures of so many players, including the spine of the team, and it would take time for them to knit together.
Latics’ manager always maintained the tide would turn and he has been proved right as the transformation in their fortunes has been truly remarkable.
Suddenly the fans are sensing a genuine possibility of a challenge for promotion while the side is also on the Wembley trail having won through to the northern area quarter finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Striker Jonathan Forte, one of the summer signings, has scored eight goals, despite having a gammy knee which makes it difficult for him to play two games in a week while the capture of former Wolves defender George Elokobi has been a masterstroke.
And the most recent arrival at the end of last week was striker Jabo Ibehre on a 93-day loan from Colchester United. The 31-year-old former Milton Keynes Dons front man will certainly add some muscle and experience to the front line.
Johnson was also shortlisted for the League One manager-of-the-month award as his stock is rising by the day. He is doing a great job on one of the smallest budgets in the division.
The next month will be challenging as Latics have to play a number of the division’s big hitters such as Chesterfield, Coventry, Bradford and leaders Bristol City.
If Latics can emerge unbeaten from those matches – there is a belief they can beat anybody at the moment – they will surely by then have cemented a spot in the play-off places.
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