EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Bradley/ProSports/Shutterstock (12929418c) General View of an Oldham Athletic Corner Flag before the EFL Sky Bet League 2 match between Oldham Athletic and Crawley Town at Boundary Park, Oldham Oldham Athletic v Crawley Town, EFL Sky Bet League 2 - 07 May 2022
Oldham Athletic expect to be under new management before their next league game, away to rivals Rochdale.
The club received more than 60 applications for the Boundary Park hotseat, and the board carefully considered each one before deciding on a shortlist that is believed to have included Micky Mellon, who won back-to-back promotions from the National League and League Two with Tranmere Rovers in 2018 and 2019, Gary Bowyer, a former manager of Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, and Steve Thompson, who has presided over a six-game unbeaten streak as interim manager.
This week has seen interviews, and the process is still ongoing ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup match at Altrincham, which will pit two of the National League’s top clubs against one another.
There has been a ton of interest in the role, Latics CEO Darren Royle said in a statement to The Oldham Times.
“We’re going through a procedure to look at every applicant, screen them, and also compile a list of persons who we believe meet the requirements for the position.
“We’re in the process of conducting interviews.”
It is now almost four weeks since Latics parted company with David Unsworth after a run of one win in the opening nine games.
For the first three weeks, the team played two games every week, and Royle claimed the hectic fixture list contributed to the board’s decision to take its time finding a new hire and selecting the person they believe can lead Latics back into the Football League.
“The objective is promotion, as soon as possible,” stated Royle.
He continued, “There’s been a factor of the games, the fixtures, the number of applicants, and the process that we’ve gone through,” regarding the current schedule for selecting a new manager.
“We hope to make a decision in a timely way.”
Latics are hopeful that the procedure will be finished in time for Unsworth’s replacement to get ready for the Rochdale derby, when they will be supported by a sold-out away end.
Despite a delay in receiving tickets Oldham are also likely to sell out their entire away allocation of 1,856 at Altrincham, contributing to what is expected to be a sell-out crowd this weekend.
While Latics go into the tie on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak, Altrincham are boosted by a five-game winning run.
Nevertheless, despite being drawn at home, Alty boss Phil Parkinson says his side could not have had a tougher tie.
“Oldham are a Goliath in this division and we could not have had a more difficult draw,” he said.
“Some people might suggest Chesterfield would have been, but it honestly doesn’t get any harder in terms of bragging rights and everything else that comes with the two teams’ locality, plus the fact they are not far behind us in the form table.
“It should be the tie of the round, really.
“They are a tremendous team, and we are going to need to be at the top of our game to win.
“When you speak about the FA Cup, you want a big gate, and when you look at the numbers we are expecting, it should be a really entertaining game and a great occasion.”
