Hemel latic

I suspect you're right, it's certainly my view. Some people can change, come can't. He's faced right now with a career in downward trajectory unless he bucks up. I guess if he reappears in a matchday squad it means there's been a change in attitude (or an injury crisis). Like Matt said on the podcast, I want Oldham players to succeed so let's hope he can turn it round.

I think the wages probably will be a stumbling block, perhaps for both of them. Nuttall in particular as he seemed to take a fair bit of persuading to come here. I still wonder, based on very little, if Mellon is trying to shock him into a reaction by freezing him out of the first team picture. He's 27 in January, if he's to have a career at this level, or higher, he needs to start producing consistently now whether that be here or somewhere else. People run this league down but I see plenty of hungry footballers of all ages trying desperately hard to succeed. If you haven't got desire and fitness as absolute basics you won't make it in even in the fifth tier. I still think there's a player in there but it's very much up to him whether he makes it.

Nuttall and Willoughby are under contract until 2025. I imagine Willoughby would be easy to move on if deemed surplus to requirements, Nuttall less so.

Is there any chance this thread could be pinned? It's really useful.

I was thinking in terms of golf and tennis tournaments but realise I'm comparing apples and pears.

Yep, looks generous given only 10 or so NL teams left in the comp, although most drew lower level oppo in the next round,

Every reason to expect the play offs from this jumping off point (cue three match losing streak). The target pre-season was probably top three so if we make the play offs we won't be a million miles off. Like everyone else I'd really like to see those three signings (RB, ball playing CM and scary winger) that might potentially transform the side. It would be nice if we got them in before the end of January. HOW ****ING HARD IS IT TO SIGN A RIGHT BACK IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE??

This is where I'm at too, but he's a funny one. For all the petulance you can also see a senior pro coaching other players through the game, poor impulse control I guess. I think he'll enjoy playing with young Stones although I fear it will be short term, let's enjoy it while it lasts.

Will Kitch be suspended after yesterday's fifth booking? Where's Dickenson, injured or surplus to requirements?

Can any of the historians tell us when we last three away league games on the bounce?

I didn't really like it when I first heard this but it was inevitable that Mellon would want to dispense with some of the current squad and in effect, he's placed them on the transfer list, it's just we're unlikely to receive a transfer fee. Although it probably will cause some disruption, particularly where they are popular with other squad members, it's fair to the players. It gives them a chance to find new clubs, it lets them know where they are if they can potentially work harder to impress the manager. Three of the players (Hogan, Gardner and Freeman) are in the twilight of their careers. Hogan can undoubtedly still do a job at this level and I assume he has leadership qualities given he's our captain. And Gardner played his best game in an Oldham shirt as recently as the Woking game but there are the underlying concerns about his body's ability to cope with the demands of the game. Shelton could prove to be another Ben Garrity given a chance elsewhere. Green is inconsistent but in a pedestrian team we need some pace. And Nuttall is an enigma. I always remember his performance against Notts County at home on New Year's Day, he looked a brute of a centre forward that day with some skill too. Unfortunately we just don't see that Joe Nuttall enough. We have been crying out for twelve months now for a right back and a ball playing centre midfielder. Let's hope MM/Santa can bring those players to the club.

Don't know him but I've meant the tragically younger one, Bald Asa.

If Lundstram is out indefinitely we need someone in rapid.

I googled him and Bob Dowie as well as Hendon did manage loads of clubs in Herts including Chesham where we got those great signings from. It's fairly well known trivia but Little Alex Horne of Taskmaster fame is a big Chesham United fan, seen him there with Tim Key.

I think the Dowies have strong links with Hendon, was Iain's brother, Bob, manager there? Had a feeling Bob played a part in our non-league signings from that area (Wayne Andrews, Fitz Hall and Ernie Cooksey).

I suppose it is possible their car could get stuck in traffic.

Is Bender's weather outlook new? Love it!

Undoubtedly a very important player for us but not too bothered. Fondop only has one but he's only started four. If Norwood was injured Willoughby would finally get a go in his preferred position.

Clubman probably has gone out of fashion as a description. When I used it I meant someone who who gives their all and puts the club first. Sheron has played in at least three positions for the club, he didn't sulk when stripped of the captaincy, just gets on with it. Too much can be made of body language but he demonstrably cares during the game. He's got a great engine, must work hard on his fitness. He was player's player of the year last season. He seems like the kind of guy you would want in the dressing room. I accept he could be upgraded (most of our players could be upgraded) but even if displaced I'd keep him for his versatility and ability to come in and do a job in different positions.

Very well put, and he's put a real shift in at a time when we've really not been very good and not had many doing the same.

It's the same Apter (at Tranmere) that was on loan at Scunthorpe last season.

Funnily enough I did wonder, also wondered if Mike Fondop is the other surprise name on the list. I can understand why MM would want an upgrade on Sheron but don't understand why he would want to offload such a versatile player who's a good clubman too. Surely Freeman is gone at the end of his six months unless he picks up considerably?

Interesting, he's lost his place to Apter on loan from Blackpool apparently. At his age you would hope he wants first team football, seems like a good fit.

A Tranmere fan on Twitter is linking us with Kieron Morris, currently out of favour at Tranmere. Seems to be speculation based on the Mellon link rather than anything more concrete. He's a wide player, over 250 league games, so could be the sort of player that would improve the team.

Given resources are finite it's way down my list. I don't think we've lost one point this season because of our keepers.