Oldham Athletic will be looking to consolidate following their last-gasp promotion to League Two in extra time of the National League playoff final. To do this, Oldham will have to carry out an extensive and strong period of recruitment in order to improve the squad’s quality and depth, whilst adding to what they have already. Join me as we explore 5 potential players the Latics could sign in the summer transfer window.
CB- Tom Davies
Our first player falls in the form of former Tranmere Rovers player Tom Davies, who was released by Rovers following the conclusion of their 24/25 season. This transfer could be possible as the veteran has worked under Mellon before. The 33-year-old would bring League Two and League One experience with him, having made just under 250 appearances for Tranmere Rovers and Coventry City across the two leagues, whilst also winning promotion out of League Two with Portsmouth in the 16/17 season. As well as this, he will present an aerial threat, especially at set-piece situations, which is something that you need to meet the physical attributes of League Two.
LB- Jake Leake
The name Jake Leake is recognisable to many Oldham Athletic supporters following the Hull City man’s loan to the Boundary Park outfit in the second half of the 24/25 season. With strong tackling and aerial duels as well as the ability to carry out short passes and interceptions, it is clear to see why some supporters want the left-back to return for next season. With 6 clean sheets during his 16 matches with the Latics, Leake offers a great defensive ability, with these clean sheets coming as a result of his strong tackling down the left side of defence and aerial duels from corners. This can be seen in the first of these clean sheets against Solihull Moors, where he contributed to his side keeping a clean sheet in a narrow 1-0 win.
CM- Regan Booty
Our third option falls in the form of the current Gateshead central midfielder, Regan Booty, who has played 40 matches this season, and he managed to receive plenty of game time throughout the 24/25 campaign. With 2 goals and 11 assists, Booty holds the ability to contribute both in a direct attacking state and in a contributing role. As well as this, the 27-year-old is also able to contribute defensively, winning 58% of his aerial duels and recovering 12.4 balls per game. Through bringing the Gateshead man to Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic could bring more depth and competition to the lineup and contribute in an attacking and defensive sense.
Winger- Josh Hawkes
Our penultimate option is another former Tranmere Rovers man, winger Josh Hawkes, who has played 23 matches this season, although he has struggled to get game time in the 24/25 campaign. With 2 goals and 5 assists, Hawkes holds the ability to contribute both in a direct attacking state and in a contributing role. As well as this, the 26-year-old is also able to contribute defensively, winning 14 tackles and 49.2% of his duels. Oldham will face lots of competition from other League Two clubs in bringing Hawkes to Boundary Park, but he has played under Mellon before, and he has gotten the best out of him, so this may make the move more likely. Also, it will add a creative spark and experience to the Blues which they will need in League Two and sometimes lacked in the 24/25 season.
ST- Michael Mellon
Our fifth and final player comes in the form of the current Oldham manager’s son, Michael Mellon, who is available on a loan move from Burnley following Bradford’s promotion-winning season, and after having a poor half-season in front of goal at Bradford, scoring two goals. Standing at 6ft 1, the striker could act as a target man, although he has the potential to become a goalscoring force in League Two, which can be seen in his loan spell at Morecambe in 23/24 season, scoring 15 goals. If the Scottish striker was to sign for Oldham, he would bring a goal-scoring threat whilst also helping to expand Athletic’s depth and quality with a younger striker that is proven in League Two.
Can These Signings Help Oldham Athletic?
These players all offer something different in differing areas of the field, but can these signings help Oldham Athletic consolidate in League Two? Let us know who you’d pick for the Latics.
