DerbyJack

October 2026 ________ October was a footballing marathon, and while our squad might be more familiar with hip replacements than high-paced sprints, they showed they’ve still got some fight left. The month kicked off with a disappointing defeat to Chesterfield, where our defence decided to take a breather and let the opposition do most of the work but in resounding fashion, we got back to what we do best—showing youth teams that age and treachery always beat youth and enthusiasm. In a resounding triumph over Norwich’s youngsters, we rolled back the years and put them to the sword in a game that looked more like a lesson in veteran savvy than a football match. There’s something delightfully satisfying about watching a group of seasoned pros teach the next generation what it really takes to win. Our next match was a rollercoaster draw with Stockport, where we scored for fun but also forgot that defending is supposed to be part of the game plan. However, it wasn’t just goals that made the headlines... It’s one thing to talk about wear and tear in theory, but it’s another to watch it in action. Smith went down clutching his hip, proving that no amount of experience can fully outpace the slow creep of Father Time. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon, once he’s found a way to negotiate better terms with his aging joints. With the defence once-again weakened, we had to dig deep in our next match, scraping a gritty victory against Peterborough. The performance was more about determination than finesse, but it got the job done. However, the momentum didn’t last long as we faced Leyton. We confidently took the lead, only to toss it away like a hot potato, settling for a hard-fought draw. Just when it seemed like we’d settled into a pattern of ups and downs, we took another dip with a disappointing loss to QPR, where our defensive lapses were on full display. But November wasn’t done with us yet, and we closed out the month in spectacular fashion with back-to-back thrashings. First, we tore through Bolton, then carried that momentum into the FA Cup against Millwall, where we delivered yet another dominant victory. A special shout-out to Roman Yaremchuk, who’s been leading our attack with aplomb. Whether it’s finding the back of the net or setting up his teammates, Yaremchuk has been our go-to guy, proving that age is just a number when you’ve got a football brain as sharp as his. Now sitting in 13th place, we’ve inched our way up the table, slowly but surely. It’s not exactly glory, but it’s progress. As we move into November, we’re hoping to keep this momentum going—or at the very least, keep the fans on the edge of their seats. After all, in League One, anything can happen... and usually does. ________ October 2026 - League One

September 2026 ________ September rolled in with all the subtlety of a last-minute transfer, bringing a smorgasbord of results that left fans both cheering and questioning their life choices. We kicked things off by besting Notts County in the EFL Trophy, reminding everyone that our squad, despite their vintage, still has some spark left. Feeling emboldened, we faced Notts County again in the league and decided to treat the fans to a goal fest that would make even the most seasoned strikers blush. Our offense was on fire, lighting up the scoreboard like it was the Fourth of July, while our defense took a more interpretative approach to the concept of "holding the line." But in true Oldham fashion, just as we were getting comfortable, Wimbledon sauntered in to hand us a sobering defeat. It was a match where our ambitions collided head-on with reality, and reality won. Not to be deterred, we regrouped and eked out a narrow victory over Shrewsbury. It wasn't the prettiest display—more scrappy street fight than elegant ballet—but it earned us three precious points and a momentary boost in morale. We wrapped up the month with a rollercoaster draw against Bristol Rovers, a match so packed with twists and turns it could have been penned by a thriller novelist. Goals flew in from all angles, defences were optional, and by the final whistle, everyone involved needed a lie-down and possibly a strong cup of tea. With all said and down we find ourselves settling into 14th place a position that feels familiar, comforting, and just a tad uninspiring. We're not flirting with relegation, nor are we dreaming of promotion; we're squarely in the middle, the Switzerland of League One standings. As October approaches, we're hoping to inject a bit more consistency into our performances—or at the very least, keep the fans entertained enough to justify the ticket prices. Here's to another month of unpredictable yet undoubtedly memorable football! ________ September 2026 - League One

As we settle into the season and the reality of our current form sets in... ...it’s become clear that our squad needs a bit more than just experience and nostalgia to stay afloat. With the league proving tougher than a veteran defender’s hamstring, we’ve been forced back into the transfer market. While our over-30s recruitment policy is still in full swing, we’re now on the hunt for a bit of lost potential—a player who, like us, has something to prove. Enter Dele Alli, a name that once had football fans buzzing with excitement and defenders breaking into a cold sweat. It’s hard to believe that he’s still only 30, given that his career trajectory resembles a rollercoaster that peaked far too early. Released from Everton after making just 15 appearances in six seasons, Dele’s story is one of unfulfilled potential—until now, we hope. We’re convinced that somewhere beneath the layers of disappointment and underachievement lies the player who once dazzled the Premier League. The task ahead is daunting: re-finding Dele’s form and reigniting the spark that saw him take the footballing world by storm in his early years. We know it won’t be easy, but if there’s one place where comebacks are possible, it’s at Oldham—where players come to defy the odds, or at least to try. We’re banking on Dele rediscovering that old magic and proving that his best days aren’t just a distant memory. For Dele, this move is a chance at redemption, a shot at rewriting the narrative that has plagued him in recent years. For us, it’s a gamble, but one worth taking. If he can tap into even a fraction of the talent that once made him a star, we might just have found the missing piece in our puzzle—a player who can turn our season around and, in the process, reignite his career. Welcome to Boundary Park, Dele. We’re ready to help you find that spark again.

He broke my heart @leobiazzi. Didn't expect anyone to be leaving for bigger things! They're certainly packing a punch, we might have got as many stars this time around but I think we're certainly more solid. ________ August 2026 ________ August has arrived, and so has the stark reminder that our squad’s prime might be more “yesterday” than “tomorrow.” We kicked off the season with a 0-2 loss to Wigan, where our defence looked about as effective as a chocolate teapot. The League Cup offered a brief flicker of hope before Swansea snuffed it out in a 2-3 loss, sending us packing with nothing but bruised egos. We did manage to scrape a 1-0 win over MK Dons, thanks to Joe Bryan channelling his inner Roberto Carlos with a thunderous strike. For a moment, we thought maybe, just maybe, this season wouldn’t be so bad... ...Then Charlton brought us back to reality with a 2-4 defeat that had our backline looking like it was auditioning for a role in a disaster movie. A 1-1 draw with Port Vale followed, leaving us with the familiar feeling of “meh,” and we wrapped up the month with a 1-2 loss to our nemesis, Wrexham. It seems they’ve got our number on speed dial, and we’re left wondering if we’ve somehow offended the footballing gods. As we sit in 19th place, there’s a growing sense that our squad might be on the brink of needing not just a tactical overhaul, but perhaps a team chiropractor. Still, if there’s one thing this band of seasoned pros has taught us, it’s that you should never count out experience—even if it’s a bit slower on the turn. Here’s hoping September brings fewer losses, more wins, and at least one game where we don’t leave the pitch questioning our life choices. ________ August 2026 - League One

This is true @leobiazzi, having settled on the Keegan style of simply out-scoring the opposition, we're certainly keeping the entertainment coming... ________ As the sun rises on a new season at Boundary Park, the smell of Deep Heat hangs heavy in the air, and the sound of creaking joints echoes through the corridors. Our squad, lovingly assembled from the finest vintage players available, is gearing up for another year of defying time—and perhaps gravity. With the transfer window ajar, there’s a sense of excitement, or maybe that’s just the nerves kicking in. One thing’s for sure: in a league where youth and speed are prized, we’re about to prove that experience, a well-timed nap, and a good pair of compression socks can still take you a long way. The transfer window beckons, but before we can dive into the market, we’ve been hit with a retirement tsunami that’s cleared out nearly half our squad. It’s as if the team collectively decided to swap their boots for slippers and retire to a life of leisure. A last of a generation of players has finally bowed out from Boundary Park. Eight players have all bid farewell, leaving us with more gaps than a cheese grater. Special kudos to Ashley Young, who astonishingly played on until the grand age of 40, outlasting many of his contemporaries and proving that he’s got more staying power than most of us have on a treadmill. With these legends gone, the transfer window has become not just an opportunity but a necessity. We’ll need to hit the ground running if we want to avoid a season of filling gaps rather than winning games. ________ As if the retirement wave wasn’t enough, our transfer departures have left us painfully thin . Already low on numbers, we’re now down to a roster that could barely fill a minibus, let alone a football pitch. The last of the original Oldham players have been shown the door, marking the first time in our history that we’re fielding a squad made up entirely of over-30s. Ahmed Musa, showing that he’s still got some tricks up his sleeve, decided not to renew his contract and somehow managed to secure a move back to European football in Poland—a move no one saw coming, especially his knees. Meanwhile, defenders Liam Moore and Charlie Raglan were both shown the door. After conceding 101 goals this season, it’s safe to say our defence had all the stopping power of a wet paper bag but that didn't seem to dissuade both Cheltenham and Chesterfield from signing our defensive duo. ________ Our first new signing to shore up the backline is 30-year-old defender Rob Dickie. With a solid track record at clubs like QPR and Oxford United, Dickie has spent years proving himself as a reliable presence in the heart of defence. Now, he’s ready to bring his experience and no-nonsense defending to our rather generous backline. We’re hoping he can remind the team that defending is an art form, not just a suggestion. Joining him is backup goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, who, at 36, brings with him a wealth of experience—and a seat on the bench. Let’s be honest, barring a catastrophic injury crisis or our main keeper deciding to take up knitting, Etheridge is unlikely to see much action. But at least he’ll keep the bench warm and the dressing room lively, which, given our current state, might be just as valuable as his goalkeeping skills. Next up, we’ve signed left-back Joe Bryan, who, at 30, comes with a resume from Bristol City and Fulham. While Bryan’s career has had its moments, joining our squad might feel like stepping into a slightly different world—one where solid performances are more of a pleasant surprise than the norm. We’re hopeful he can offer some defensive stability, but with the way things have been going, even the most experienced players might find themselves struggling to hold the line. Joining him is Jack Cork, who, at 35, arrives with a history of dependable midfield roles at Burnley and Swansea. Cork’s career has been marked by reliability and steady performances, which might be just what we need. While his arrival might feel like adding a well-used tool to a toolbox that's seen better days, we’re confident that Cork’s experience will be invaluable. Here’s hoping he can turn a solid career into a bit of magic, and maybe even make us look a bit less like a team trying to reinvent the wheel. Gerard Deulofeu has arrived, and if his once blistering pace has mellowed into a more dignified amble, he’s still bringing a dash of flair to our forward line. Fresh off a stint at Udinese, Gerard now graces us with the kind of experience that only years of dodging defenders and the occasional physio can bring. His primary duties will include dazzling us with vintage footwork and proving that while his speed might be in the slow lane, his skills are still cruising nicely. Meanwhile, Mario Götze, the man who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup, has decided to trade in the European spotlight for the warm glow of Boundary Park’s floodlights. After lighting up stadiums in Dortmund and PSV, Mario now aims to illuminate our midfield with his wisdom and an arsenal of World Cup anecdotes. We’re hoping he can still channel his championship magic, or at the very least, offer a few masterclasses in how to gracefully defy the aging process. Next up, we’ve secured Joshua King, the 34-year-old Norwegian striker whose career has seen stops at clubs like Bournemouth, Everton, and Watford. While his pace might have taken a back seat, his footballing brain is still firing on all cylinders. King’s ability to read the game and pop up in the right place at the right time will be crucial as we look to navigate another gruelling League One campaign. Joining him is Roman Yaremchuk, fresh from a European adventure that’s taken him from Gent to Benfica, and more recently, Club Brugge. At 30, Roman brings a bit of continental flair to our squad, and compared to some of our elder statesmen, he’s practically a young gun. With his physicality and nose for goal, we’re banking on him to provide the cutting edge we’ll need to punch above our weight this season. As the dust settles on a whirlwind transfer window, it’s clear that our squad is a curious blend of seasoned veterans and nostalgic memories. With a line-up that’s more of a footballing time capsule than a team sheet, we’re heading into the new season with equal parts hope and a heavy dose of reality. The challenges ahead are monumental, but if this ragtag group of legends has taught us anything, it’s that age is just a number, and wisdom sometimes trumps speed. Here’s to one last hurrah, as we brace ourselves for another rollercoaster ride in League One—where the past meets the present, and where we’ll see if this grand experiment has a few more surprises left in it.

You have no idea how much I like the title to your career. As a Derby fan it is some what relatable. It's good to see I am upholding an Oldham tradition to its fine standard. Absolutely, please chip in more @Dong21, honestly I really appreciate it, the fact we have both stumbled into the same signings is somewhat worrying for the both of us! ________ League 1 - 2025/26 The season, in classic Oldham style, was a masterclass in chaos. We finished 16th, nestled comfortably in the bosom of mid-table obscurity, but not without making a spectacle of ourselves along the way. Conceding 101 goals—more than any other team in the league—was a record we never aimed for but managed to secure with an alarming consistency. It’s safe to say that if defending were an Olympic sport, we’d have been disqualified for sheer incompetence. Our defence was about as sturdy as a soggy biscuit, crumbling under the slightest bit of pressure. But while our backline was busier than a revolving door at rush hour, our attack was equally relentless—scoring a commendable 95 goals. We turned every match into a goal-fest, where the outcome was less about winning or losing and more about how many times the ball would hit the back of the net, on either side. It’s the kind of entertainment value that would have made even the most pessimistic of fans consider bringing popcorn to the stands. In the end, this season felt like watching a car with no brakes careening down a hill, thrilling in a "can't look away" sort of way, but not exactly sustainable. We certainly gave everyone their money's worth in terms of goals—whether scored by us or against us. As we look ahead to next season, it’s clear that some fine-tuning is in order, particularly in convincing our defenders that their job isn’t just optional scenery for our attacking show. Finishing in 16th place might not seem like much to shout about... ...but considering the 101 goals we shipped and the rollercoaster of results, it’s a minor miracle we stayed clear of the relegation scrap. For that, we have a few standout performers to thank—players who, despite the chaos around them, managed to keep us ticking. Danny Welbeck—our part-time striker and full-time patient. Despite arriving in September and spending more time in the treatment room than on the pitch, he still managed to become our second-highest scorer. When he wasn’t nursing an injury, Welbeck showed flashes of brilliance that made us wonder what might have been if we could just keep him in one piece. Then there’s Jay Rodriguez, the ageless wonder. At 36, he played nearly every game this season, refusing to let something as trivial as aging slow him down. Not only did he finish as our top scorer, but he also led the team in assists, proving that old dogs can definitely still perform some new tricks. Rodriguez was the glue holding our attack together, delivering the goods while making the rest of us feel slightly guilty for groaning about our achy knees. And of course, Ahmed Musa, who’s been with us for two seasons and continues to defy expectations. While he might have lost a step or two in pace, Musa’s managed to outsmart opponents with a cunning that only comes with experience. He may not be the speed demon he once was, but he’s still been a reliable presence, proving that sometimes it’s better to be clever than quick. With the season wrapped up and our place in League One secured, it's time to fix the leaks, learn from the madness, and hopefully make next season a bit less of a defensive disaster—and a lot less likely to give our fans a collective heart attack.

April 2026 ________ We kicked off the month with a 3-2 loss to promotion-chasing Charlton, a match that could have gone either way but, in typical Oldham fashion... didn’t. Despite the defeat, we weren't too fussed—thanks to the complete collapse at the foot of the table our mid-table status was already secure, so we approached the game with the relaxed enthusiasm of someone who’s realised they’ve already passed the exam and can now coast to the finish. Sure, we lost, but at least we did it with the kind of style that only Oldham can muster: promising moments followed by inevitable disappointment. Next came a wild 4-3 victory over a table-topping Birmingham, the kind of game that makes you wonder where this team has been hiding all season. Of course, our defence still managed to give us a few heart-in-mouth moments, because why settle for a straightforward win when you can turn it into a the type of game that ages Ashley Young even faster? It was a brief reminder that, while we’re stuck in mid-table mediocrity, we’re still capable of pulling off the odd surprise—usually when there’s absolutely nothing at stake. We followed that up with a 3-1 victory over a lowly Port Vale, further solidifying our position as the kings of mid-table obscurity. There was no real pressure, so the lads played like they were on a leisurely Sunday stroll—albeit one where you occasionally have to kick a ball. The victory was satisfying, in the same way that finding a tenner in your coat pocket is satisfying: nice, but hardly life-changing. Then came a 3-2 win over Peterborough, by this point, we were winning just to pass the time, like someone ticking off chores on a lazy afternoon. The season wrapped up with a 2-1 defeat to Stockport... because of course it did. By then, mercifully everything was well and truly done, and we could safely say that 16th place was ours—neither here nor there, just sort of… existing. We’ve spent the season firmly lodged in mid-table, far from the glamour of promotion battles and even thankfully from the stresses of relegation. It’s not the kind of ending that’ll have fans lining up to buy next season’s shirts, but after two years of success, maybe we’ve earned the right to be mediocre for a while. ________ April 2026 - League One

Mercifully they are much more sensible then me and only expected to merely survive this season, so far, so good. No tweaks what so ever, truth is, I like our apparent goal scoring style. More goals the better. Just need to find a way of ensuring we score more. ________ March 2026 ________ March wasn’t exactly the comeback we were hoping for, but at least we’re not in the relegation dogfight—yet. With Michael Keane joining the squad, we thought we’d shored up our defence just in time for a strong finish. Instead, it seems we’ve been using a plaster to plug a leaky boat, and the results, well, they speak for themselves. Let’s just say this month’s fixtures haven’t exactly had us singing from the rooftops. We kicked off with a 3-2 loss to QPR, which was as thrilling as it was frustrating. We showed some fight, but in true Oldham fashion, our defence proved more accommodating than a B&B on a bank holiday. Keane’s debut was a mixed bag—he looked solid at times, but even a seasoned pro can’t work miracles overnight, especially when the rest of the squad seems determined to keep things interesting by conceding at the worst possible moments. Next up, we managed a 1-1 draw with Colchester, a game that was less "gripping drama" and more "how did we not win that?" We took the lead, which was a nice change of pace, but holding onto it was apparently too much to ask. Colchester, bless them, were kind enough to let us leave with a point, though it felt more like a consolation prize than anything to shout about. The draw against Notts County was more of the same—another 2-2 special that had the fans on the edge of their seats, but for all the wrong reasons. It was a bit like watching a soap opera: lots of drama, plenty of twists, but no real resolution. Finally, we wrapped up this unforgettable - for all the wrong reasons - month with a 2-0 loss to Wimbledon. If our defence was supposed to be a wall, it’s more like one of those inflatable bouncy castles at this point—plenty of give, not much resistance. The defeat saw us slip to 16th, a position that’s uncomfortably close to the drop zone but still clear enough that we’re not breaking out in cold sweats just yet. So, while March didn’t bring the turnaround we hoped for, there’s still time to steady the ship—assuming we can find the right tools, and maybe a manual, to figure out how to steer this thing. ________ March 2026 - League One

As we enter the final stretch of the season, it's become painfully clear that our current squad is running on fumes and haggard ham-strings. With just two months left and our defence leaking goals like a sieve, we've had little choice but to turn to the transfer market in a last-ditch effort to ensure we salvage what’s left of our campaign. The decision to bring in reinforcements this late might seem desperate—and to be honest, it is—but when you’ve conceded more goals than we care to count, desperate times call for some-what desperate measures. The hope is that a fresh face can provide the spark—or at least plug the gaps—that we've been sorely missing. With just two months left in the season, we find ourselves languishing in 15th place, holding on to mid-table obscurity with a grip as shaky as our backline. After 37 games, we've managed to concede a staggering 82 goals, which might as well be a new club record—if only there were an award for "most generous defence." Every match feels like a rollercoaster, but not the fun kind—more like the kind where you’re not sure if you’ll come out in one piece. In a bid to stop the floodgates from completely collapsing, we’ve brought in Michael Keane, fresh from a less-than-glorious stint in La Liga with Cádiz. His time in Spain didn’t exactly go as planned, following an equally tough spell with Everton, but we’re hoping a change of scenery—back to the rain-soaked pitches of League One—will help him rediscover some of the form that made him a Premier League regular. It’s a gamble, but at this point, we’re running low on options, and maybe Keane’s experience will be just what we need to steady the ship. However, the pressure is mounting, and with our defensive record, it’s clear we need more than just one man to turn things around. Keane’s arrival may signal a renewed focus on shoring up our leaky defence, but with only a handful of games left, the clock is ticking. We’re in desperate need of points, and if Keane can bring even a fraction of stability to our backline, it might just be enough to see us safely to the end of the season.

Sensible aims but still more then I have accomplished lately! I feel I may have stumbled my way in to an actual storyline when my only justification for picking them was the word "Old"... Some absolute legends of the geriatric game there, would love a Windass in the team right now. Thanks as always @Dong21 ________ February 2026 ________ Continuing to keep things decidedly unpredictable, February keeps the mixed fortunes coming thick and fast. Kicking things off, we managed a 2-2 draw with Millwall in a match that perfectly encapsulated our season: a blend of resilience, a touch of chaos, and just enough drama to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Despite twice taking the lead, we couldn't quite keep the Lions at bay, ultimately settling for a point that felt like both a relief and a missed opportunity. We followed it up with a surprisingly comfortable victory over a relegation-battling Carlisle, leaving everyone—including ourselves—wondering where that performance had been hiding all season. In a rare display of dominance, our aged squad rolled back the years, scoring goals for fun and leaving Carlisle looking like they’d forgotten they were supposed to be fighting for survival. Despite that brief glimmer of hope, we somehow managed to lose to another relegation candidate, Burton Albion, in a 4-5 thriller that left everyone scratching their heads. In true Oldham fashion, we turned what should have been a straightforward win into a goal-fest that ended with us on the wrong side of the score-line. It was a game that perfectly summed up our season: equal parts entertaining and infuriating, with just a dash of "what the hell just happened?" We then narrowly lost to table-topping Reading, 1-0, in a match that was as frustrating as it was encouraging. Despite holding our own against the league leaders, we just couldn’t find the breakthrough, leaving us with nothing to show for a valiant effort except the sinking feeling that sometimes, even when you’re close, it’s still not enough. We rounded off the month with a rarely seen 0-0 draw against Wigan, a match so uneventful it felt like we were playing against a mirror. While a clean sheet was a small victory in itself, the lack of goals left us with a sense of “if only we could channel this defensive solidity into our attacking play.” At least it kept the scoreboard from moving, which in our current form, felt like a win of sorts. All in all, we ended the month still firmly entrenched in 15th place for the third month running. Consistency might not be our strong suit, but at least we’re consistent in avoiding both relegation and promotion. It’s a steady spot that leaves us in the relative safety of mid-table mediocrity—if we’re going to be stuck somewhere, we might as well be stuck where there’s no immediate danger... or glory. ________ February 2026 - League One

January 2026 ________ Anyone hoping for a New Year's resolution involving solid defending was quickly disappointed, as our backline stuck to its tradition of welcoming goals like old friends at a reunion—complete with open arms and zero resistance. Thankfully, the EFL Trophy remains our happy place. We managed to outgun a determined Gateshead side with a 5-3 victory—proving once again that for us, the best defence is a chaotic, all-out attack. Back in the League, the goal-fest continued as we earned our first point of 2026 with an entertaining draw against Shrewsbury. But just as we started to believe in our own hype, Plymouth—a team clearly plotting their Championship return—gave us a 4-2 reality check. Despite the loss, it didn’t take long for the lads to shake off the defeat, as we soared back to form with back-to-back wins that were about as smooth as our average post-match recovery session. In typical Oldham fashion, a back-and-forth thriller against a struggling Cambridge side lifted us away from the relegation zone, while a narrow win over a tricky Lincoln side saw us reclaim our seat in the awkwardly comforting lower reaches of the table. But, as is tradition, our much-needed six points came at a worrying cost... because nothing says "Oldham Athletic" like celebrating a victory while nervously glancing at the physio room... We're falling apart. David Luiz is side-lined, apparently injured simply by the act of existing, while Alberto Moreno and Ryan Thomas have both been on the receiving end of a series of bone-crunching challenges ensuring 2026 greets us with all the warmth of a steaming freight train, leaving us clinging to the hope that our first eleven can somehow limp through to the end of the season. With three first-team players out of action, it was almost inevitable that our EFL Trophy Quarter Final would end in disappointment. Charlton, ever the party-poopers, ruthlessly sent our Wembley dreams packing for yet another year. As players continue to drop like flies, our cup hopes dashed, and Jay Rodriguez practically holding the club together with sheer willpower, Wrexham made sure to end an otherwise promising January on a sour note. Their Hollywood-backed stars held firm to snatch all three points, leaving us wondering if we could borrow some of that movie magic for ourselves. ________ January 2026 - League One

Before we dive back into what’s been a somewhat bruising league campaign, it feels like the right moment to take stock of our rapidly changing squad. Against all expectations, we've somehow become a magnet for big names in football, drawing them to Oldham like moths to a flame—if the flame was a cosy spot in front of the TV with a warm blanket. Our squad is a living museum of football’s greatest hits, filled with players who’ve seen and done it all and probably have the creaky joints to prove it, yet still they fight on. Ready to chance what remains of their careers on one last roll of the dice in deepest darkest Oldham. ________ Danny Welbeck, despite his tendency to spend more time in the treatment room than on the pitch, has made an instant impact whenever he graces us with his presence. It’s almost as if the less he plays, the better he gets! Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa, once the fastest man on any given pitch, has somehow managed to remain among our best players—even if these days it’s more about brains than speed. And then there’s David Luiz, who, despite being closer to retirement age than his prime, still manages to soar above the opposition during set pieces, reminding us all that some things never change. While Danny Welbeck, David Luiz, and the ever-reliable Ahmed Musa may be stealing the spotlight as our top performers this season, there's one man who deserves a standing ovation for this most unique of careers. Ashley Young. The man, the myth, the 40-year-old legend. As the first player in this career to hit the grand milestone of becoming a 40-year-old outfield player, the former England International has etched his name into Boundary Park folklore. Defying the odds and the calendar, Young has not only survived but thrived, emerging as one of our most crucial players despite being the oldest outfield player in the entire country. With a 38-year-old David Luiz nipping at his heels, ready to join the golden forties club, we might just be on the brink of creating a new footballing legacy. Forget the dreaded 30th year as the peak—our boys are just getting started!

After two seasons of back-to-back promotions, I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to not win every other game. But as we settle into life in League One, it’s become painfully clear that we’re now a small, elderly fish in a very big, very unforgiving pond. With reality now sinking in faster than our aging defence, it’s fair to say that merely surviving this season would be a monumental achievement... Of course, that didn’t stop me from trying to add a few more battle-worn veterans to our squad in the hopes of boosting our chances—or at least making sure we don’t fade into obscurity without a fight Before casting our net among the growing pool of aged veterans still searching for a club at this halfway point in the season, there was some unfinished business to attend to. With the squad collectively aging like a fine wine—or maybe more like a slightly sour one—Will Sutton stood as one of the last young first-team player on our books. That was until AFC Fylde came calling, eager to snap up the long-listed defender. Joining him on the way out is Kyle Naughton, a key figure in our two promotion campaigns who’s grown increasingly frustrated with his shrinking minutes. Despite being well into his thirties, Naughton believes he’s still got what it takes to be a first-team regular, and Cambridge were all too happy to roll out the welcome mat. ________ Having conceded the joint most goals in the League, its safe to say I knew which area required my focus. Despite having a decidedly leaky tactic at play, this season has been somewhat of a bruising experience for our veteran defenders so in step Two former Premier League players to help quell the tide. Fresh from QPR, Ayling brings with him a wealth of experience, a penchant for marauding runs down the right flank, and knees that have probably seen more ice packs than a figure skater. His arrival will no doubt add some much-needed depth to our defence, assuming his joints hold up through the winter. But why stop there? We’ve also decided to bolster our backline with 33-year-old Shkodran Mustafi, who joins us from Sparta Rotterdam. Mustafi’s CV includes a World Cup win, a stint at Arsenal, and more than a few moments that made Gunners fans question their life choices. Now, he’s here to show League One strikers that he’s still got what it takes—or at least, we hope he does. If nothing else, we’ve got our very own masterclass in unpredictability. As we continue to bring in players with enough experience to double as assistant coaches, we can only hope that the combination of Ayling’s never-say-die attitude and Mustafi’s, well, unique defensive style will help shore up our leaky defence. Because let’s face it: if we’re going to struggle, we might as do it in style, with a few world-weary veterans leading the charge.

I feel like I might be writing this specifically for you @Dong21, thanks very much. How far have you managed to take them previously? Theres sadly quite a gap being built by the promotion contenders but we're not out of the race totally... never say never @_Ben_? Thanks so much @leobiazzi, thats quite the compliment, no writing background just a lot of drivel to spew apparently! Thanks again! ________ December 2025 ________ Having bounced back in November, the festive period arrived with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, putting our resolve to the test. We started with a bang, handing Burnley’s youth products a proper schooling in the EFL Trophy, because if there’s one thing we excel at, it’s reminding the kids who’s boss. With another potential route to Wembley on the horizon, things were looking up—for a moment, anyway. Turning our attention back to the League, we breezed past Port Vale with a first-half masterclass, mercilessly putting the visitors to the sword. But, in true Oldham fashion, the positivity was about as fleeting as our players’ hamstrings, and the good times quickly faded away... In classic Oldham fashion, we generously let the goals flow in both directions, only to find ourselves on the losing end of a seven-goal thriller against Stockport. Apparently, we enjoyed the experience so much that we decided to do it all over again, this time with a frustrating loss to Oxford United—the very team we barely edged out just a month earlier. Because why win comfortably when you can lose dramatically? A surprising result against League One heavyweights Sheffield Wednesday gave us a brief glimmer of hope, but Birmingham and Barnsley—those festive Grinches—swiftly ruined our Christmas by solidifying their spots at the top of the table and sending us back down the chimney. A two-goal draw with Leyton rounded off the year in the most Oldham way possible, leaving us to enter 2026 with the realization that any dreams of a third successive promotion are well and truly dashed. Time to start looking over our shoulders... things are about to get interesting. ________ December 2025 - League One

November 2025 ________ "Don't call it a comeback..." With the ranks reinforced, we head into November determined to not add to the worrying trend experienced throughout October. With reinforcements in place and a deep-seated desire not to repeat October’s tragicomedy, we marched into November with cautious optimism. The month began on a high, with a narrow victory over Fleetwood in the FA Cup as those ever fleeting dreams of Cup finals and trips to Wembley came rushing back... Back in the league, reality quickly reasserted itself as a ruthless Reading side sent us packing, much to the dismay of the increasingly grumpy crowd at Boundary Park. But with only three days to regroup, a rousing team talk somehow breathed life into our aging squad, leading to a surprisingly comfortable win over the once-mighty Wigan Athletic. Despite nearly throwing away a comfortable lead in our penalty shoot-out victory over Barrow in the last game of our thus far impressive EFL Trophy campaign, a newfound resilience appears to have made its way into some of the oldest joints in football as we claim a surprising point against perennial Premier League relegation candidates, QPR but the potentially vital point still managed to come at a mighty cost... Having only just hobbled back onto the pitch after a brief rendezvous with the physio, Jordan Rhodes’ hamstrings decided they weren’t quite ready for the rigors of professional football. A bruising tackle quickly sent last season’s star player back to his second home: the treatment room. With games coming thick and fast, Rhodes’ loss might have seemed like a disaster—but as they say, one man’s torn hamstring is another man’s golden opportunity. Enter Danny Welbeck. Having recovered from his own flirtation with the physio, Welbeck hit the ground running—literally. The recent arrival wasted no time showing what his aging legs can still do, tearing through Peterborough with a resurgent hat-trick. Not content with just that, he followed it up with a brace against Oxford United, propelling the Owls into the top half of the table with all the flair of a man trying to prove he’s not ready for the glue factory just yet. Sadly, our renewed League form couldn’t carry us through the FA Cup, as Wrexham rudely reminded us that dreams are fleeting by sending us crashing out of the competition—proving once again that not every fairy tale gets a Disney ending. ________ November 2025 - League One