Reprints Online

Oldham Athletic

Odds: 25/1

Last Five Seasons 2005/06 - 10 (League One), 2004/05 - 19 (League One), 2003/04 - 15 (League One), 2002/03 - 5 (League One), 2001/02 - 9 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup Second Round (replay) vs Brentford (a) - lost 1-0. Carling Cup First Round vs Leeds United (a) - lost 2-0. Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Carlisle United (h) - lost 6-5 on penalties with the score at 1-1 after extra time.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Luke Beckett (striker) - 18 goals.

Players In Craig Rocastle (Sheffield Wednesday - Free), Les Pogliacomi (Blackpool - Free)

Players Out Daniel Hall (Shrewsbury Town - Free), Terrell Forbes (Yeovil Town - Free), Richard Butcher (Peterborough United - Free), Chris Day (Millwall - Free), Gareth Owen (Stockport County - Loan), David Eyres (Released).

Oldham Athletic made good progress under manager Ronnie Whelan last season and broke into the top 10. However, Moore has left for Tranmere Rovers and has been replaced by John Sheridan who was coaching the first team last season.

Oldham are bound to find the going tougher next season without the goal scoring exploits of Luke Beckett, the on loan striker who netted 18 goals last season while Sheridan is a fairly inexperienced manager. He has had two stints in temporary charge, the first back in 2001 when he took control over one match which was drawn and then a longer spell in 2004, in a 12 match run won twice, lost four and drew six games.

Sheridan signed Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Craig Rocastle on a two year contract while former goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi returned to Boundary Park after one season at Blackpool. However, he damaged his knee during pre season training and hopes to be fit for the club's first match of the season - against Ronnie Moore's Tranmere Rovers. The Australian keeper signed for the Latics from Parramatta in 2002 and has played 141 times.

There has been more activity heading out of the exit door than coming in, with veteran David Eyres, at 42 years old, the major casualty. Much loved by the fans, Eyres made 23 league and cup appearances last season but has been released following spells at Blackpool, Burnley and Preston North End.

Other players heading out of the door are midfielder Richard Butcher who links up with former manager Keith Alexander at Peterborough United, defender Terrell Forbes who signed for Yeovil Town and Gareth Owen who has joined Stockport County on a season long loan.

Verdict John Sheridan will have a tough time trying to improve on last season's tenth placed finish and will miss the goals that Beckett game them last season. A mid table finish at best for his first season in charge.

About the Author

David Walker runs Bet365 free bet and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.