Fans can roar us to safety

Barry Owen

BARRY Owen is backing Athletic to get out of danger — and wants fans to play their part in the crunch clash with Crawley.

Trust Oldham’s chairman - the supporters’ representative on the Latics board - confirmed his belief that manager Lee Johnson is capable of improving fortunes on the field.

Athletic have won only one of their last eight fixtures and are finding it a struggle to rise above the bottom four.

But Owen reckons Johnson’s assembled squad is good enough to find better form very soon — and that strong vocal support on Saturday will help to bring in three vital points.

“I have every confidence the manager and his staff can pull things round,” Owen said. “We have nine games left to get the 11 points I believe will be sufficient. We have to be positive and support the team.

“The league table doesn’t lie, but it is up to us to take it on. We know fans are disappointed with our current league position. You’ve got to be honest and say these are worrying times. But I still believe we have enough ability and skill to pull clear of the drop zone. The atmosphere at Boundary Park can make a big difference.”