Oldham Athletic’s next managerial appointment looks set to be Tranmere Rovers legend Micky Mellon.

The Scotsman could sign a deal taking him up until 2026.

Mellon left Tranmere in mid-March with the club on a poor run of form with four defeats in five games and dropping further away from their aim of finishing in a play-off spot.

But as fans were aware, the club had deeper issues than the man sitting in the dugout and this has been made evident by the start they have made in League Two this campaign.

Micky Mellon during his time at Tranmere.
Micky Mellon, free to use under Alamy Images.

Oldham, if the appointment is confirmed, will be getting an experienced 51-year-old with five promotions on his CV – two from The National League/Conference Premier – who will be wanting to reignite his career.

What will Mellon take over at Oldham.
Oldham Athletic lost their Football League status in 2022 with John Sheridan and Keith Curle unable to get any slight tune out of their side as financial issues surrounded them.

Following the relegation, 70-year-old Frank Rothwell, known for raising £1m for Alzheimer’s research by rowing a boat solo across The Atlantic Ocean, took over.

The Latics currently sit 12th after 15 games, drawing three and winning two of their last five with Steve Thompson and Neil Redfearn in interim position following David Unsworth’s dismissal in September.

They have a squad packed with know-how of the division such as full-back Mark Kitching who had impressed during his time with Stockport County.

However the club’s top scorer will be of great interest to many, particularly Tranmere fans, as the man who scored the goal to take The Whites up from The National League in 2018 signed his contract with The Boundary Park club in the summer.

Devarn Green and Ben Tollitt also played for Tranmere when Mellon was at the club.

Was it worth Tranmere looking elsewhere?
Going back to Tranmere and their struggles, was it really worth them getting rid of Mellon?

Could and should owners Mark and Nicola Palios  or those at the top have given him a stronger hand to play?

In many people’s opinion, the simple answer to the latter question is ‘yes’.

Admittedly, there were some issues that couldn’t quite be sorted out. Mellon’s playing style was questioned and there were rumours that the players were turning against him.

But the difference is stark since Nigel Adkins took over on an interim basis from the dismissed Ian Dawes in September.

In the summer of 2022, when the club were looking to build on a mid-table finish after spending much time towards the top, signings Paul Glatzel and Luke Robinson were brought in.

This time round, players that have a greater understanding of the level needed were recruited: goalkeeper Luke McGee, creative midfielder Connor Jennings and striker Luke Norris all prime examples.

It is the belief that if Mellon was given these players, he would’ve had the ability to get the best out of them. Tranmere currently lie just outside the relegation zone in the League Two table.

What will Mellon bring to Oldham:
Promotions, a man wanting to reignite his career, a professional who will have players that he has previously got the best out of and a style of play that has proven to win games in the division.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Mellon stick to his favoured 4-5-1 formation, a strong midfield with a goal scorer in James Norwood up top as saw in his past promotion on The Wirral.

The news was taken more positively than negatively by Oldham supporters. 

However, there were still some slight doubts.

Oldham’s upcoming games:
After playing away at high-flying Altrincham on Saturday in FA Cup Qualifying action, they then face trips to mid-table Rochdale and AFC Fylde, placed in the relegation zone, before finishing the month with a home tie against Altrincham.

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