League One preview: Oldham Athletic

Last updated : 24 July 2008 By Iron-Bru
How did you fare last season?
We were very inconsistent as we didn't have the strength of squad needed to keep up. We also suffered a lot with injuries which could have been a blessing as we got to see some of the younger players progress. With a bigger squad we could have gone up but we still managed to finish a creditable eighth.

The best moments were definitely Leeds and Everton away! Absolute quality! The worst moments were the inconsistency, poor performances and the Huddersfield Town cup defeat.

How do you think you'll do this season?
I'm very optimistic as I think and hope that Sheridan is going to get it right this year and everything is going to click. Shez just has to deliver, so we're going up! Not bothered where we finish as long as we go up!

What's your squad like?
It's starting to build into a good looking blend of youth and experience with the depth that we craved for and lacked last season. The final piece of the jig-saw will be a good left sided player. If Lee Hughes stays fit we will have the leading scorer in the league.

Which youngster will make the biggest impression in your team this season?
Lewis Alessandra is really really rated by the fans as he has great technical skills and can bag goals. Also watch out for the promising Paul Black.

What's your manager like and will he still be there at the end of the season?
He's doing great considering his budget etc. He needs to learn from his previous mistakes and his experience should be enough to help make Athletic push on in the continual rebuilding of the club. If he delivers he'll still be at Boundary Park.

Are you happy with your chairman/backroom staff?
Definitely. Oldham as a town should thank the owners (TTA) for saving the club from extinction. I trust them to always act in the best interests of the club and fans, and sincerely hope that they find some corporate sponsors soon to help their cause.

Which team do you want to beat the most and why?
Tranmere, Leeds, Huddersfield, Stockport and Leicester. It's always good to give a local team a good stuffing. Leeds and Leicester are 'big time Charlies' so it's good to bring them down to earth. The Tranmere game is obvious - Ronnie Moore who imposes hoof-ball on fans and then blames everyone else for his failings. If Mourinho is the 'Special One' Moore is the 'Blameless One.'

Predict your champions and runner up, the four play-off teams and the four to go down
Champions: Leeds
Runners-up: Oldham.
Play-offs: Leicester, Peterborough, Southend, Huddersfield
Relegated: Stockport, Yeovil, Cheltenham, MK Franchise