Oldham about to find out how good they are

From the The Argus, first published Friday 15th Dec 2006.

Oldham launch the acid test of their promotion credentials against Albion at Boundary Park tomorrow.

They face a daunting list of fixtures between now and February, including home games against Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Tranmere, plus trips to Scunthorpe and Swansea.

Athletic have been showing promotion form over the last ten games, even allowing for the almost invetiable 2-1 defeat at Chesterfield last Saturday which followed John Sheridan's manager of the month award.

They have averaged almost two points per match, kept five clean sheets, scored plenty of goals and played some attractive football.

Former Republic of Ireland international Sheridan, a cultured midfielder like Dean Wilkins during his playing days, dedicated his November prize to the players and coaching staff.

"Receiving an award is great credit to everybody who has been involved, not just the manager," he said.

"It means we are doing well as a club and it's down to a squad effort from every player who has been on the pitch.

"Myself and the staff tell them what to do, but it's the players who have been winning games.

"I'm the one getting the award, but everybody, including Tommy Wright and Lee Duxbury, has worked hard to help me along the way."

Sheridan picked up the award after League One wins against Cheltenham, Bradford and Huddersfield, plus an FA Cup victory over Kettering.

The traditional curse struck against Chesterfield, although Oldham had by then already won their first two games in December. Their rapid rise up the table has coincided with a settled side.

"The problem is keeping everyone happy, because the hardest part of my job is that I can only pick 11 players," said Sheridan.

"Lads like Marc Tierney and Kelvin Lomax, who both did very well against Bradford (when Athletic won 2-0), aren't even on the bench at the moment.

"I'm having to leave out good players and they will be disappointed with the decisions I make.

"That's only right, they should be, and I wasn't happy myself when I wasn't playing.

"Kelvin was different class when he came in at rightback and he would have kept his place if he had stayed fit.

"Now he has to move Neal Eardley out of the side, but the more people we've got pushing for places, the better the lads in the team will have to do."

Oldham's squad will have to come into play tomorrow.

Sheridan could be without top scorer Chris Porter and he is already definitely without influential former Blackpool midfielder Richie Wellens, who serves a onematch ban for five bookings.

Wellens' place will go to either Craig Rocastle or 18- year-old Tomasz Cywka, a Polish under 21 international on loan from Wigan.

Youngster Chris Hall is on standby to replace Porter, who has linked up with Paul Warne for the last 16 League matches in succession.

A bumper crowd is expected, with prices slashed to £2 for adults and £1 for juniors, both for Albion's visit and that of Northampton a week tomorrow.

That sparked a row between the club and some fans, managing director Simon Corney blasting a group of season ticket holders who made abusive complaints, because they have already been paying around £13 per match.

Corney said: "An overwhelming majority of fans have been supportive since I had my little rant. You can never do everything right, but I was amazed at the people who shouted and screamed when we were trying to build up really good crowds.

"I draw the line at supporters abusing staff and the reduced admission prices are designed to make Oldham Athletic better."

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