A look at how Oldham are shaping up for the new season
LAST SEASON
In Lee Johnson's first full season as manager he guided the Latics to mid-table in League One with Oldham finishing one point and one position lower than Crawley.
Oldham began the season lacking consistency and it took until November for Johnson's men to get a winning run together. They went seven games unbeaten, which helped drag them away from the bottom end of the table.
They were also unbeaten in their final ten games – which included a victory over Crawley at Boundary Park.
THE MANAGER – LEE JOHNSON
The 33-year-old Oldham boss is one of the youngest in League One. Taking over in 2013, it was and still is his first managerial job.
As a player, Johnson spent time in the youth systems at Arsenal and then Watford before signing professional forms with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2000. He only spent a season with the Seagulls before linking up with his father Gary at Yeovil Town in 2001.
Lee enjoyed a number of successful seasons with the Glovers and appeared on over 200 occasions for the Somerset side before heading north to sign for Scottish side Hearts.
The midfielder played only four times before his dad – who had taken over at Bristol City – took him to Ashton Gate in 2006. During six seasons Johnson played 174 games and after loan spells with Derby County and Chesterfield he spent the 2012-13 season with Kilmarnock before returning to England to become Oldham manager following Paul Dickov's dismissal.
VISITING THE GROUND?
Since 1904, Oldham have played their home games at Boundary Park. It has a capacity of just over 10,000 and is reckoned to be the coldest ground in the Football League, which could be down to it being the third highest venue above sea level. Reds fans will be housed in the Verlin Stand, which is behind one of the goals.
SUMMER BUSINESS SO FAR
It's already been a busy summer with plenty of activity at Boundary Park. The Latics recently picked up former Crawley man Mike Jones, who spent two seasons at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, whilst Joseph Mills returned on a permanent basis after a loan spell last season.
Connor Brown has penned a new deal whilst right back Brian Wilson has been brought in after leaving fellow League One outfit Colchester United. Leaving the club have been captain James Wesolowski, who has moved to Shrewsbury, former Crawley striker Charlie MacDonald and Jonathan Grounds, who has moved to Championship side Birmingham City.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH
Former Red Mike Jones has recently signed for Oldham following two seasons with Crawley when he made over 60 appearances for the club.
Striker Charlie MacDonald enjoyed a couple of seasons with Crawley between 2003 and 2005 and spent a solitary year at Oldham before being released.
Others to have played for both include Leon Clarke, Lance Cronin, James Dayton and Ernie Cooksey.
PAST MEETINGS
In the first meeting between the teams at the Checkatrade.com Stadium, Reds battled back to earn a point thanks to Kyle McFadzean's second half equaliser after Hope Akpan was sent off. The scores finished 1-1 back in late 2012.
At Boundary Park that same season, Jean Yves Mvoto's late header sealed a 2-1 Oldham victory which cemented their place in League One. Matt Smith gave the hosts the lead in the second half only for Mark Connolly to snatch an equaliser. However, Mvoto's 92nd minute goal proved to be the winner.
Last season, Oldham visited the Checkatrade.com Stadium and returned north with nothing to show for their efforts. Joe Walsh's early goal sealed the points for Crawley in late September.
The return leg at a cold and wet Boundary Park saw the score turned on its head as Oldham earned themselves a 1-0 win thanks to Danny Philliskirk's winner midway through the first half.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
Oldham Athletic are 14/1 with SkyBet to win promotion from League One in the 2014-15 season.
