Football Season Review

Oldham Athletic avoided a repeat of Chesterfield’s fate as they recorded a mid-table finish under owner Abdallah Lemsagam. It was another season of chaos and controversy as former favourite Frankie Bunn was appointed manager following relegation from League One. Lemsagam has been accused of interference in team selection and some of the summer signings added fuel to the fire with the arrivals of the relatively unknown Christopher Missilou, Johan Branger-Engone and Mohamed Maouche. The team made a steady if unspectacular start to life in League Two under Bunn with the loan signings goalkeeper Daniel Iversen and striker Sam Surridge making a difference. A 6-0 thrashing away at Carlisle United in December proved the final straw for Lemsagam, who sacked Bunn and appointed coach Pete Wild as caretaker. Wild made a real impact on the team as they went to Premier League Fulham and won in an F.A. Cup tie. The lure of former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes proved too strong however as he took over the reigns in February. He lasted just 31 days, winning one of his seven games in charge, before resigning citing interference from Lemsagam, who denied the accusations. Wild returned until the end of the season and impressed again, even briefly flirting with the play-offs before eventually finishing in 14th place. Loanee Callum Lang finished as leading scorer with 16 goals whilst Peter Clarke played a real Captain’s role in the centre of defence and was voted player of the season.

Player of the Season: Peter Clarke