Football Season Guide

Abdallah Lemsagam remains the biggest problem for Oldham Athletic, as his pantomime ownership continues. There has been a revolving door of managers and head coaches in the last three years, and last season was no different. The experienced Keith Curle took over from Harry Kewell in February and a team that eventually finished in 18th place, scoring eleven more goals than Champions Cheltenham Town yet conceding twelve more goals than bottom-of-the-table Grimsby Town. Curle has signed a two-year deal this summer but the odds are against him seeing it out. Lemsagam continues to meddle in team affairs with defender David Wheater left in limbo after refusing to take a 70% pay cut during the Covid-19 pandemic. Curle is unlikely to accept any such interference. Keeping hold of his best players is hopeless in the circumstances, although most of them were loanees. The biggest miss will be striker Conor McAleny, who has joined Salford City. Middlesbrough opted not to take on winger Dylan Bahamboula following a trial this summer but there’s a good chance he won’t be at the club by September. Curle has signed a permanent goalkeeper in Jayson Leutwiler whilst the left-sided Sam Hart impressed despite being relegated with Southend United. Fans group Push the Boundary have called for a boycott of matches until Lemsagam sells up so small crowds are expected on their return after restrictions are lifted. It isn’t exactly conducive to success and remaining a Football League club is the best anyone can hope for in the circumstances.