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Latics sign Abbott

NEW Oldham signing Pawel Abbott has spoken of his delight at linking up with old boss Dave Penney.

The 27-year-old forward, who worked with Penney while at Darlington, has penned a two-year deal at Boundary Park.

He told the club's official website: "The fact that I've worked with the manager before was one of the main reasons behind me coming here.

Gregan's Latics shock

SEAN Gregan cannot believe he is back at Oldham.

The defender was surprisingly re-signed by manager Dave Penney after being released at the end of last season. A call on Tuesday led to the shock signing of the 35-year-old, who was set to link up with former Latics boss John Sheridan at Chesterfield.

Penney tight-lipped on Hughes return

DAVE Penney has refused to comment on rumours linking Lee Hughes with a return to Boundary Park.

Stories had circulated that Hughes, whose contract with Latics ran out at the end of last season, could be offered a new deal.

Latics sign Jacobson

OLDHAM have confirmed the signing of Joe Jacobson on a free transfer.

The 22-year old left-back had spent the last two years at League One outfit Bristol Rovers where he made 84 appearances, before being released by the Pirates at the end of the season.

The Latics' new signing has had some international experience for the Wales U21 side, captaining them through their U21 European Championship qualifying campaign, as well as being called up to the senior squad for the recent fixtures against Iceland and the Netherlands.

Latics face Stockport opener

OLDHAM begin their 2009/2010 season with a clash against local rivals Stockport on August 8.

The Latics then face Leyton Orient (away), Millwall (away), Swindon (home) and Brentford in an action packed month. Oldham face Leeds at home on December 1 with the return game coming n February 23.

Latics draw Carlisle in cup

OLDHAM face a trip to Carlisle in the first round of next season's Carling Cup.

The game should be closely fought, with both league encounters between the sides ending in a draw last season.

Penney reveals Latics ambition

DAVE Penney will use his old pal Steve McClaren as inspiration as he bids to steer Oldham through the most daunting League One in living memory. The Latics have struggled enough in the company of the likes of Yeovil, Swindon and Scunthorpe at this level.

Next season they will be joined by Charlton, Southampton and Norwich - three clubs who plied their trade in the Premier League as recently as four years ago.

Oldham: Player ratings

WE run the rule over Oldham's players for their performance in the 2008/2009 season.

Pick Greater Manchester's player of the season

TODAY you, the fans, have the chance to select Greater Manchester's player of the season - a competition organised in association with sponsors flybe.com.

Hazell keeps on working

REUBEN Hazell is putting in the hours on the training pitch while most of his Oldham team-mates are on the beach.

The player of the year is recovering from an operation to ease tension in his groin.

Allott turns down Latics deal

MIDFIELDER Mark Allott has rejected an improved contract offer from Oldham and will now become a free agent.

New Latics boss Dave Penney tabled a new deal on Wednesday but the 31-year-old midfielder has turned it down.

Meanwhile, Stefan Stam has been effectively kicked out of Oldham after failing to show at a meeting to discuss his future.

No Penney rush for Oldham

DAVE Penney will not rush in bringing new faces to Oldham after two more players were shown the exit door.

Kevin Maher and JP Kalala were told yesterday they will not be getting new contracts at Boundary Park, following Sean Gregan, Mark Crossley and Andy Liddell.

Gregan in shock exit

OLDHAM are looking for a new captain following the departure of Sean Gregan.

The veteran defender failed to agree terms on a deal with manager DavePenney after his contract expired.

Latics' ground plan promise

OLDHAM bosses insist they are committed to making Boundary Park a four-sided stadium.

The former Broadway stand was knocked down last year and so far has not been replaced, mainly because of the credit crunch.

Latics ace takes cue from Torres

RYAN Brooke certainly sets his sights high saying he is like Fernando Torres and aspiring to be the greatest.

But after a professional debut as amazing as his, the Oldham sensation has every right to shout from the rooftops.

Royle hails 'Bambi' Brooke

JOE Royle will keep a keen eye on how `Bambi' sensation Ryan Brooke - grows up after his amazing debut.

The 17-year-old became an instant hero by scoring the winner with his first touch in professional football after Deane Smalley's equaliser to end Royle's second coming in style.

Brooke's impact stunned Royle and he believes, with proper development, Oldham could have a star on their hands.

Walsall 1 Oldham 2

RYAN Brooke made himself an instant hero on a day of farewells for Oldham with his first touch in professional football.

As well as manager Joe Royle, goalkeeper Mark Crossley is departing after being told he will not be getting a new contract next season.

And as Dave Penney clears the decks before starting the job of rebuilding the Latics, assistant boss Tommy Wright is leaving by mutual consent.

Preview: Walsall v Oldham

NEW Oldham boss Dave Penney is already looking towards next season after taking charge at Boundary Park.

Penney will watch on from the stands as Joe Royle takes charge of the Latics' final game of the season at Walsall.

Penney told the club's official site, www.oldhamathletic.co.uk: "It all happened very quickly - a real whirlwind. I came in to speak to the board and we managed to get everything sorted out."

Oldham unveil new boss

OLDHAM have unveiled Dave Penney as their new manager after the former Darlington boss signed a two-year deal at Boundary Park.

Latics to unveil manager

OLDHAM will name their new manager at 3pm on Thursday.

Latics' directors have surprised everyone with the speed with which they have found Joe Royle's successor.

Dave Penney, currently in charge of cash-strapped Darlington, has emerged as the favourite after his odds tumbled from 7-1 to 11-10 today.

Latics draw up manager short-list

OLDHAM'S directors are now drawing up a shortlist in the search for a manager after deciding not to keep Joe Royle.

Latics' chiefs announced on Monday that Big Joe would not be staying on next season. Athletic have failed to win any of the eight games the 60-year-old has taken charge of since making his much-celebrated return.

Royle heir of resignation

JOE Royle admits even he'd think twice before permanently handing him the Oldham job.

He is due to hold talks with Boundary Park chairman Simon Blitz this week when it will become clearer if his second tenure in charge proves to be longer than a bitterly disappointing two-month spell.

"At the moment he's got a manager here who has drawn four and lost four," said Royle. "I wouldn't be happy with me."

Oldham 1 Southend 1

JOE Royle was left still searching for his first win in his second spell at Oldham after substitute Lee Barnard denied the Latics all three points against Southend.

Royle now has only one game left to taste victory – against Walsall next week.

He looked like getting that all important win when Neil Eardley struck from the spot in the 51st minute.

Preview: Oldham v Southend

JOE Royle is continuing to prepare Oldham for next season by running the rule over several trialists - even though there are still two games left of this campaign.

"It's been something of a revolving door over the last couple of weeks with the trialists coming and going but that's often the best way," he said.

"A couple have caught the eye and there could be an opportunity there."

Crossley set to leave

VETERAN goalkeeper Mark Crossley admits his future may lie away from Oldham and he has already received interest from other clubs.

The 39-year-old will play in the final two games of the season after injured Shane Supple returned to Ipswich.

Latics told to step up

OLDHAM manager Joe Royle is demanding a big improvement from his side in the final two games after blasting their first half display at Withdean Stadium.

Goals from Dean Cox and Lloyd Owusu put Brighton in charge by the interval and although the Latics hit back through substitute Lewis Alessandra, Owusu scored again within two minutes to settle the issue.

Royle said: "There won't be wholesale changes next week so the players must do as they're told.

Brighton 3 Oldham 1

Oldham are still searching for a first win in seven attempts under Joe Royle following defeat at Withdean Stadium.

Lloyd Owusu scored in each half as Brighton kept alive their survival hopes with back-to-back victories for the first time since early November.

Wardle won't lay out cash

JOHN Wardle will not be investing in Oldham Athletic for the time being.

The former Manchester City owner held preliminary talks over investing some of his cash into the Boundary Park outfit.

Royle's reserve revolution

JOE Royle wants to reinstate a reserve team at Oldham because he is fed up at the ridiculous way players are thrown straight back into the first team.

The Latics boss has had to pitch Paul Black, Kieran Lee and Matty Wolfenden in at the deep end in recent matches after long spells out, with no reserve team in which to ease them back.

Oldham 1 Crewe 1

JOE Royle could hardly hide his frustration after his side threw away the chance to pick up his first win since he returned to the Boundary Park hotseat.

While dodgy refereeing decisions and a lack of luck were factors in his first five winless games since returning for a second stint in charge, there was no doubt that the blame lay squarely at the feet of his team.

The Latics were minutes from a morale-boosting victory after Reuben Hazell put them ahead in the 42nd minute but they failed to deal with a long bouncing ball and Byron Moore lashed in a late equaliser.

Carlisle 1 Oldham 1

DRAMA in the dying stages of both halves saw a Neil Eardley-inspired Oldham claw a point from a dour fixture in rain-lashed Cumbria.

Joe Royle's battlers were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time when Daniel Jones was straight red-carded for hauling down Cleveland Taylor in the box and Michael Bridges planted home the penalty.

Carlisle, desperate for full points in their battle to avoid relegation, looked as though they had achieved their aim with the clock ticking down, but they had reckoned without the ambition of Welsh international full-back Eardley.

Liddell leaves Latics

ANDY Liddell has left Oldham as Joe Royle continues to build for next season.

The 35-year-old winger has played only 10 minutes since Royle replaced John Sheridan at Boundary Park. Liddell, who scored 34 goals after joining Oldham from Sheffield United in 2005, had been a key part of Sheridan's plans. But Royle is placing an emphasis on youth.

Joe feels the pressure

JOE Royle admits he is under pressure - to satisfy all the goodwill towards him.

Friends and fans bombarded the manager after his unlikely return to Boundary Park following John Sheridan's sacking.

Latics pay the price

OLDHAM boss Joe Royle jumped to the defence of Neal Eardley after the full-back's double blunder cost the Latics dear.

The Wales international, back in the side after being dropped for the last two games, failed to clear the cross that led to Craig MacKail-Smith's 26th-minute opener.

Oldham 1 Peterborough 2

A DEFENSIVE disaster saw Oldham throw away a point late on against promotion-chasing Peterborough.

Neal Eardley headed a hopeful long ball over his own keeper Shane Supple and Posh top scorer Craig MacKail-Smith gobbled up the chance to smash the ball into an empty net.

Preview: Oldham v Peterborough

AS if Joe Royle's task is not hard enough, on Saturday he may be up against TWO Fergusons.

The Oldham manager faced Manchester United's Sir Alex in many titanic clashes, most notably losing the Latics' FA Cup semi-final in 1994 after a replay and winning the FA Cup final with Everton in 1995.

But after returning from a 15-year absence from Boundary Park, he finds himself preparing to tackle Fergie's son Darren's Peterborough. And there is every chance his famous old man will be looking down from the stands as United do not face Aston Villa until Sunday.

Oldham get Kabba boost

OLDHAM have received a fitness boost after scans revealed Steve Kabba's injury was not as bad as first feared.

It was thought the on-loan striker would be out for up to a month after tearing a hamstring but those fears have been allayed and he could be back as early as the Good Friday clash at Carlisle.

After allowing Lee Hughes to join Blackpool on loan, an injury to a striker was the last thing Big Joe wanted but he is relieved the news on Kabba is good.

Royle ascent for kids

OLDHAM boss Joe Royle is set to give youth a chance for the last six games of the season.

With the Latics' lingering play-off hopes all but disappearing in Saturday's defeat at Leyton Orient, Royle says he is prepared to give a handful of the club's young talents their chance to impress.

Royle: I feel cheated

OLDHAM boss Joe Royle was left fuming by referee Ian Williamson's performance in a game that revolved around two penalty claims.

The visitors deservedly led at half-time following Danny Whitaker's wonder strike on 34 minutes. But Orient levelled with a contentious spot-kick converted by Scott McGleish on the hour.

But when Chris Taylor was sent sprawling by Charlie Daniels, Williamson waved away Oldham's claims and, to rub salt in the wound, Jason Demetriou fired in an 84th-minute winner.

Leyton Orient 2 Oldham 1

OLDHAM'S play-off hopes all but disappeared as Orient came from behind to snatch victory and leave Joe Royle still searching for his first win.

The Latics looked to be heading for the three points after Danny Whitaker scored a wonderful opening goal on 34 minutes.

He raced 20 yards before unleashing a spectacular effort into the top corner. But Oldham’s hopes of a first win in six disappeard when Scott McGleish and Jason Demetriou netted in the second half.

Preview: Leyton Orient v Oldham

LEE Hughes has been shipped out to Blackpool as Oldham admit they cannot afford to keep him.

The striker has joined the Championship Tangerines on loan for the rest of the season, when his Boundary Park contract expires.

And manager Joe Royle admits the decision is financially motivated, as the Latics' budget means they can not hold on to the 32-year-old.

Westlake's Royle ascent

IAN Westlake need only look at Darren Bent to see how his own career has failed to live up to expectations.

`Benty' was his team-mate at Ipswich when both appeared to have the footballing world at their feet.

Cheltenham 1 Oldham 1

SUBSTITUTE Danny Whitaker scored with the last kick of the game to keep Oldham Athletic’s play-off hopes alive at Whaddon Road last night.

Joe Royle’s second match back at the helm looked set to end in disappointment, as rock bottom Cheltenham led courtesy of Frankie Artus’ debut strike after 31 minutes.

Preview: Cheltenham v Oldham

JOE Royle has added Portuguese youngster Fabio Ferreira to his squad for what he believes will be a season-defining trip to Cheltenham.

The 19-year-old Chelsea winger has languished in the reserves since joining Latics a month ago but Royle has offered him an extra month on loan.

"He has looked bright in training and gone past people," said Royle of the former Sporting Lisbon starlet.

Royle loses first battle

JOE Royle will have to learn to live with his own legacy if he is to take Oldham back to Wembley.

That was the warning from Ronnie Moore, who could not contain his glee at pooping the party at a club where he spent 15 months of misery in 2005-06.

Oldham 0 Tranmere 2

AFTER the hope and the nostalgia came the grim reality as Joe Royle’s homecoming party turned into a flop.

And it was another former manager, the infinitely less popular Ronnie Moore, who walked off with the points and even taunted the Latics fans at the end.

To make matters worse, Oldham defender Stefan Stam was red carded after conceding a penalty – and it was manager Moore’s son Ian who tucked it away to make it 2-0.

Preview: Oldham v Tranmere

JOE Royle has warned Oldham not to expect miracles now he is back at Boundary Park.

Royle has been charged with the responsibility of reigniting Oldham's League One promotion bid following the sacking of John Sheridan. His second spell at the club will start where his first one ended in 1994 - against Tranmere.

Oldham snap up loanees

JOE Royle will give his new charges a chance to impress despite twice hitting the transfer market ahead of next week's loan deadline.

The new Oldham boss today snapped up all-action Cheltenham midfielder Ian Westlake to go with goalkeeper Shane Supple, ahead of Saturday's clash with fellow play-off contenders Tranmere.

Wardle set to join Royle's revolution

JOHN Wardle is ready to join Joe Royle's promotion charge at Oldham.

The multi-millionaire ex-City chairman has already made contact and more formal talks are planned next week with a decision about his potential investment and involvement made before the end of the month.

Royle planning Wembley return

THE Messiah didn't arrive by lorry this time, but he brought with him a truckload of dreams.

Joe Royle delivered has some Spring sunshine to Oldham after a winter of discontent, taking the helm of the club for the second time on Sunday. And he promised the fans to try to get the team playing sunshine football as they seek to get back in the play-off places with nine games of the season left.

Royle back at Oldham

JOE Royle has spoken of his joy after his shock return to Oldham Athletic.

The ex-City boss, who has been out of the game for nearly three years, turned the little Latics into a top-flight club and enjoyed some of the best years of his managerial career at a ground he dubbed Ice Station Zebra.

Oldham exit for Sheridan

OLDHAM have confirmed they have parted company with manager John Sheridan.

After a week of controversy surrounding the club, including a number of alleged incidents following a team night out at Belle Vue dog track, the club announced the decision following talks with Sheridan.

MK Dons 6 Oldham 2

SAM BALDOCK terrorised Oldham on his final day as a teenager, scoring two and carving out two more as the Latics twice failed to hold on to leads.

Kevin Maher put Oldham ahead on four minutes with his first goal for the club, but former Stockport striker Aaron Wilbraham equalised.

Lee Hughes put Latics back in front before goals from Jason Puncheon, Baldock (two), Alan Navarro and Ali Gerba sealed victory for Dons.

Preview: MK Dons v Oldham

OLDHAM Athletic boss John Sheridan insists team morale is excellent despite three unnamed players being punished for their part in disturbances at Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium last week.

And 'Shez' believes his team can put a bad week behind them at high-flying MK Dons.

"We are all together what anyone outside thinks," said Sheridan.

Former Dale man dents Latics hopes

FORMER Spotland hero David Perkins helped dent Oldham's play-off ambitions but backed his old club in their own bid for promotion.

Perkins and his Colchester team mates enjoyed the freedom of Boundary Park in the first half.

And a goal after 90 seconds from another Rochdale old boy, Clive Platt, left Latics' boss John Sheridan in apoplectic mood.