Season is not yet defined

Latics fan Tom explains that Athletic’s real test will arrive when conditions get trickier - on and off the pitch.
THE positive nature of the style of this Latics team in comparison to previous seasons is bringing praise on the terraces.

The performance against Stevenage was very exciting and the lads were, on the whole, unlucky at Peterborough on Saturday.

The one thing that will determine whether the team is successful will come in a few months’ time, when injuries kick in, pitches tear up and games come thick and fast.

I’ve felt that the ability to, as Iain Dowie put it, “win ugly” has been our Achilles heel over the years.

We’ve never had the luxury of a big squad of players who can come in as back up for injured and suspended players. Therefore fitness and a positive attitude, are vital to the cause.

The key stage will be the Christmas period; last season, we picked up one point from the 12 available whereas in 2006-07 it really helped our final place with maximum points from the 12 available.

To get a real perspective, in the Championship last season 14 points were all that separated 6th-placed Leicester with relegated Peterborough.

It goes to show that the season can be defined when the games come thick and fast. Here’s hoping recent defeats can be a learning curve for when getting the results really matter.


Every week we invite a Latics fan to write a personal view of the team. If you would like to be considered, email: mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk and we will be in touch.