Latics bid to do the double against high-flying U's

Latics host second-placed Cambridge United tomorrow

After a gritty goalless draw at Port Vale in his opening match in charge in midweek, new Latics boss Keith Curle is looking forward to welcoming high-flying Cambridge United to Boundary Park tomorrow.

The U’s have enjoyed a terrific League Two campaign so far and currently sit in second place in the table, though Latics did win 2-1 in the reverse fixture in early December.

Curle, who replaced the sacked Harry Kewell on Monday with Latics now 16th in the table, is clearly going to be putting his players through their paces.

“I pride myself on the fact my teams have always been respected for being committed,” said Curle, the former Northampton, Carlisle, Torquay and Mansfield boss.

“I can coach, I enjoy coaching different styles.

“I don’t walk in with a philosophy and players have got to fit into that.

“I find out what is going to be the best for that changing room, what the best formation, the best system, the best personnel to get results for the football club.”

One players who definitely won’t be involved against Cambridge, however, is former club skipper David Wheater.

The exiled 34-year-old defender has departed Latics “by mutual agreement”.

The former Bolton and Middlesbrough man, who was captain last season, had not been part of the first-team squad this season after a dispute with the club over proposed pay cuts last summer brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Latics club statement read: “Oldham Athletic can confirm that David Wheater has left the club by mutual agreement.

“In total he made 35 appearances, scoring four goals last season.

“We would like to thank David for his contribution whilst at Latics and wish him well for the future.”

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