Oldham Athletic Season Preview: replacing Ripley

2016-17 saw another Shezurrection story for Oldham. In similar circumstances to 15/16, they were bottom of the table when John Sheridan took over, but ended it in 17th place.

Centre-back Anthony Gerrard made an impact after joining in January, partnering ever-present Peter Clarke, their best outfield player. Right-back Brian Wilson featured more prominently while Paul Green and Ousmane Fane battled in midfield as the Latics finished the season with fewer goals conceded than champions Sheffield United.

Low-scoring games are not uncommon at Boundary Park. Having finished the last eight seasons between 15th and 19th, it seems every year the club has needed a survivalist mentality to veer away from the bottom four. Arguably though, it is partly that type of mentality has stopped them from becoming a more creative, better rounded side, capable of avoiding dogfights altogether.

No third tier team since 94/95 Leyton Orient (who finished 24 points adrift of safety) has scored fewer goals than their 31 last season. Some might justifiably suggest the limited budget necessitates defensive tactics, but such a distinct lack of ambition in possession should cause concern.

There are few signs of that changing this season. New striker Craig Davies possesses reasonable experience but has only scored three goals in over two years. Fellow new front man Courtney Duffus has only played in three professional matches – back in 2014 for Bury – and wide midfielder Dan Gardner was willingly disposed of by table-propping Chesterfield. These may not be encouraging additions, given that last term’s second highest scorer was centre-back Clarke with five.

To make matters worse, there has been no replacement for Connor Ripley, the best goalkeeper in League One last term. The club knew from the final whistle at Kingsmeadow 94 days ago that he would start the next season elsewhere. Remarkably, we now have a situation whereby they must do an emergency loan deal in three days before Saturday’s opener against Oxford.

With key defensive performers getting on, the attack barely looking stronger and no Ripley to save the day, this looks a tough season for Oldham. It could be the year that they meet the unfortunate consequences of half a decade of survivalism and short-term thinking.

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