Ahead of Saturday afternoon's Sky Bet League 1 season opening clash between Walsall and visitors Oldham Athletic, Latics fan Keith Gledhill joins us to run us through his side's recent managerial history, their pre-season campaign, recent signings, departures and Dean Holden before giving his big match score prediction.
Let's go back to early May when our new manager, Darren Kelly was appointed. To say it was a bit of a shock is an understatement; no managerial experience (seems to be a trend judging by the last 2 appointments - Paul Dickov and Lee Johnson) having been coach of the Sunderland Academy. And his playing exploits were insignificant to say the least. But, as always, most, if not all, Latics fans will give him their full support. Recently there have been rumours of unrest within the club, centred around the manager, but none of the rumours have been substantiated so they are probably nothing more than 'social media tittle tattle'.
The bulk of the squad from last season has been kept together; new additions include winger Lee Croft returning to the club for a THIRD spell, and Jake Cassidy, a striker who had a good spell at Tranmere a couple of seasons ago but never made the first team at his previous parent club, Wolves. Joining them are George Green, released by Everton 5 years after they paid £1.5m to Bradford City for him as a 15 year old. He's a ball playing attacking midfielder. Just joined on a 6 month loan deal is Jonathan Burn, a 20 year old 'old fashioned' centre half of some repute from Middlesbrough (last season's U-20 captain), according to one Boro fan I know.
The mainstay of the team is the skipper, Liam Kelly, who was the stand-out player last season; and if Jonathan Forte can keep fit, he should provide his share of goals. Meanwhile, Mike Jones has a touch of class about him and he should deliver the goods from set pieces and his trickery from the left flank or centre midfield. The up and coming player at OAFC is Carl Winchester, who blossomed last season through regular 1st team football, and a repeat, and natural improvement, of his performances may well see the bigger clubs come knocking on the manager's door for his services. Thankfully, he is tied into a two year contract so a sizeable fee would be needed to secure his departure from Boundary Park (now called Sports Direct.com Park...........)
Pre-season has not gone too well. Home defeats to Blackburn R and Bolton W, and a disappointing 1-3 loss at Carlisle last Saturday has given the 'social media rumourists' plenty of ammunition, whilst victories over Stirling Albion and FC Halifax have done nothing to appease the antagonists..
But, as we all know, pre-season is mainly about fitness, and the proof of the pudding will be on view on Saturday at the Bescot Stadium.
As far as the Latics' fans expectations, they remain the same as the last 19 season; to try and get out of this division, in an upwardly direction, I might add!!!
Last season, we flirted with the play-offs; after beating a very good Swindon Town side at home on February 10th, we were 5th; fair to say, the season fell away somewhat (injuries, manager departing etc) and we finished a comfortable 14th. Top half and a sneak at the play-offs remains our best possibility.
After Lee Johnson left the club at the end of February to take up his new role at Barnsley, former Saddler, Dean Holden took the reigns, and did OK. His first experience of managing was tough at times, but he guided us to mid table mediocrity, but without the occasional flair performances we had seen under Johnson. I am sure he will have visions of taking up a similar role soon, but or the moment he remains 1st Team coach and that is probably his best role in the set-up.
So before the start of any new season, expectations are high amongst ALL fans, regardless of who you support.
As for Saturday's match, I would happily take a 1-1 draw; our record at the Bescot has been mixed (2 defeats in last two season, but before that a couple of wins and a draw; I think) so we shall see what Saturday brings and, fingers crossed, I will be a happy chappy at 5 o'clock whilst you fellas will be nursing a defeat with a pint in your hands.
Best Wishes for the season (after Saturday of course!!!!!!!!)