Oldham's new manager talks 'Team Bonding'

Dino Maamria is in charge of a happy Latics camp - and long may it continue.

It's coming up to a week now since ex-Stevenage gaffer Maamria took the managerial reins after Laurent Banide's sacking, and the mood of positivity appears to be building and building.

Maamria got his rein off to a terrific start last Saturday with a comfortable 3-1 home Sky Bet League Two win against Morecambe, and since then he's been working flat out preparing for this weekend's next big test - a tricky-looking trip to Carlisle United.

Latics fans won't relish being reminded what happened the last time their team went to Brunton Park - Carlisle thumped them 6-0 last Boxing Day.

However, a similar outcome looks unlikely this Saturday with the Cumbrian outfit currently on a disappointing run of form.

As for his own squad and his own reflections ahead of the weekend, Maamria said: "The atmosphere is very good at the moment.

"Of course it's always going to be easier when you've won your first game.

"We're positive, we're happy, and the players are starting to absorb information better and better.

"We'll take things one game at a time, but it's also about putting our foot on the gas and accelerating.

"The process for us all now is how to keep improving things going forward.

"If we can go and win at Carlisle then we'll carry on building that foundation.

"The players have been persistent in training and building good habits."

Carlisle have been struggling somewhat under boss Steven Pressley.

They have only won three league games so far, and only the once at home, on the opening day of the season.

"It's a big, beautiful pitch at Carlisle," added Maamria.

"Hopefully that will suit us.

"They're obviously a good team, with a good manager, but it would also seem to be the right time to be playing them.

"We'll go up there and put in the workrate, the endeavour and the desire.

"I promise our fans that my players will always give them that."

Goalkeeper Gary Woods returned to full training yesterday (Wednesday) following injury, so hopefully will be back in contention for the Carlisle trip after missing out last weekend.

 

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