Form (last six – league only): D-L-D-D-L-L
2002/03 Finish: League; Second Division : Fifth
FA Cup: Second Round
League Cup: Fourth Round
2002/03 Top Scorer: David Eyres - 16
2002/03 Discipline: 74 yellow, 10 red
2003/04 Top Scorer: John Sheridan – 5 goals
At this moment in time, you can seldom feel how things could possibly be any worse at various football clubs around the country who have had to work around similar financial implications. And I can honestly say that we are probably in too deep – possibly deeper than any other football club.
Although, you can’t help but take notice of hugely popularised media reports in the cases, firstly, of Leeds United who were recently reported to have acquired debts thought to be in the excess of £ 80 million. And in another instance and even more recently, the news that Dundee FC have been resigned to release 25 full-time employees from their books as they slipped into receivership.
But when you look towards Oldham Athletic, you see a club who, much like ourselves, are all too familiar with the concept of administration as both sides infringe upon a game which so very nearly didn’t take place and although both still lye in administration, officials from both camps are still optimistic that respective takeover deals can be struck up in the near future.
Whilst County’s prize asset in their pitch, the Latics have an off the pitch gem who goes by the name of Iain Dowie. The lower league’s hottest managerial prospect was recently linked to the job at a club for which he played – West Ham United (as pictured).
Dowie was originally appointed as the assistant of Oldham Athletic in November 2001 as he was revealed as the second choice to the man who was appointed as the club’s boss, Mick Wadsworth. This partnership proved to be one that had real potential as
In late May 2002,
Since then, Dowie has never looked back as he has established himself as a manager capable of more than simply keeping a club afloat on a shoestring budget.
***Star Player*** - Calvin Zola
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
Height: 191cm
Weight: 80 kg
Previous Clubs:
When Zola joined the Latics on an initial one-month’s loan in late August, he became an instant hit with the fans – and also with the club’s coaching staff as Calvin soon found himself signing on at the club for a further month.
Zola has since been outlined as a possible catalyst in the club’s recent good run of form. In his short time with the club, Zola has made 13 appearances, scoring a total of 4 goals.
Although the career of this obvious talent would not have came to light had it not been for the absence of a teacher, the keen eye of another and Zola wanting to show off his skills in the playground to run the clock through to the next lesson.
He soon was included in his school’s team before being invited to join Newcastle United after he was scouted playing for Northumberland.