Oldham v Bradford: Shez starts strongly

Good start for Sheridan

James Hanson’s departure from Valley Parade has been greeted with some sadness, having spent eight years at the club with great memories along the way, but not the disappointment that there might have been previously.

Hanson’s height and physical presence had made him a key component of Phil Parkinson’s direct outfit, but under Stuart McCall, the team did not play to his strengths as much. Instead, diminutive forward Billy Clarke and speedy winger Mark Marshall have been the beneficiaries of a more floor-based approach.

It was fitting that the latter and left wing-back James Meredith, arguably their two best players, combined for the equalizer against Millwall last week. The Bantams played well in that game, particularly in the second half, but continue their frustrating propensity for draws.

To change that, McCall hopes to bring in Charlie Wyke, top scorer at Carlisle United to replace Hanson’s firepower. As one club legend leaves Bradford, another returns to Oldham.

John Sheridan’s first game in charge of the Latics in his previous spell came at Bradford. That match ended in a 1-0 defeat, but this time signs of revival a already in place with six points from three games under the new boss’ tutelage.

This blog had doubts about Sheridan’s return to Boundary Park – the fact both parties re-connected with the other in a worse position than when they parted in May smacked of desperation from both sides.

However, there are positives from his first three matches in charge. It is evident, particularly from the second half against Peterborough on Tuesday, is that the team is playing with more confidence. Under Stephen Robinson, they would often hoof the ball forward aimlessly and invite pressure, relying on performances from the likes of Peter Clarke and goalkeeper Connor Ripley for points.

The football is still direct, but now forwards such as new boy Aaron Amadi-Holloway hold onto the ball in the final third and bring others into the game. The defensive work of Ousmane Fane – a key part of the ‘Shezurrection’, you might say – gave Ollie Banks more freedom to get forward.

One goal conceded in three games under Sheridan suggests the Lancastrian will maintain the strengths of the defence at Oldham, which is solid enough and improved by the arrival of Anthony Gerrard.

However, the age old problem for the Latics is whether they will score enough goals. Bradford have the same issue, with seven goals scored in their last nine games.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 1-1