What YOU say about Latics’ prospects

I’M sure all fellow Latics fans will agree in congratulating the owners for their continued investment in the club.

We really should be aware of the state this club would no doubt find itself under without these individuals, especially given the current economic climate.

The investment in quality players and the finances involved in acquiring them deserve more vocal backing from all match goers, and also the town.

During the home games I went to last season, there were numerous rows of fans (especially in the main stand) watching the game in silence, their only vocal contribution being to celebrate a goal or berate a player for misplacing a pass or missing an easy shot, never any encouragement.

This was more evident with the young players in the team – how much pressure do we want to put them under?

To all you fans out there, don’t be afraid or nervous to stand up and show encouragement or sing a song even if those around you are content to sit in silence. I promise you others will join in and support the team.

JONATHAN LINE




I AM extremely excited for the new season. Unlike last summer, when we were scrapping and scraping for players, Sheridan has got down to business early and built up a relatively large squad.



One to watch? Has to be Lewis Alessandra – showed some great potential towards the back end of last year.

Key player? I’d say Danny Whitaker. He’s a proven box-to-box goalscorer in the lower leagues and managed to shine in a poor Port Vale team last season.

And finally, is Sheridan going to bring Championship football to Boundary Park?

As Oldham fans we’re renowned for being optimists (a bit too optimistic at times) and we have our eyes set for promotion year in, year out. This season, however, get off to a good start and this could be the one!

BILLY IN GREENFIELD




MY feelings for the season ahead are very hopeful of promotion.



With such a large squad of players to choose from, competition is going to be great. Even with injuries the lads should have cover in every department to sustain a push for glory.

My only concern is keeping players’ spirits up when they are not in the first team.

Here’s to a promotion party at the ground with three stands. We’ve only got three stands, we’ve only got three stands!

COLIN HEATON




I WOULD like to congratulate the Three Amigos on backing John Sheridan, despite losing two sponsors.



How it will all turn out by the end of the season we will have to wait and see, but I hope as many Oldham people as possible get down to Boundary Park and get behind our team.

I’ve bought a season ticket for the first time in many years. Up the Latics!

PETER HOWARD

New Malden, Surrey




MY big worry is that, with such a large squad, Shez will simply not be able to decide on his best line-up.



Not wishing to cause too many problems by leaving some players out, he will instead try to push people in regardless of whether we are getting a balanced team.

Remember last season, when Mark Allott – who was ultimately player of the year – was first played out of position on the right and then even dropped?

At the end of last season, young players like Deane Smalley were really establishing themselves. I hope they are not discouraged by the wave of new players. It really is up to the manager to be decisive.

VERNON ROWE




SUFFERING from the affliction for nearly 50 years – the doctor says there is nothing he can do – I feel strangely optimistic about this season.



We have kept our manager, who has made a series of what look to be astute signings.

Though unsure myself about the redevelopment of Boundary Park, we also have owners who appear to have gone down with the same bug as myself.

If we could get Roger Palmer and Andy Ritchie back, nothing could stop us. As it is, a definite play-off position with the possibility of second place.

LES GARNER




I RESIDE in South Africa and have been a Latics fan since my first game at Boundary Park against Workington Town in 1954.



Unfortunately I have not had the chance to personally see any of our current squad, but feedback from my relatives still living in Oldham is a wonderful guide for me.

With regard to the upcoming season, I feel that John Sheridan has so far shown he has an excellent squad with great results against both Derby and Hull.

If we can score more goals than we did last year, Championship football will be with us.

Come on Latics fans, get through the turnstiles and be proud of showing your colours. I wish I could be physically with you, but even though I am 6,000 miles away my heart lies with you all!

HARVEY SCOTT