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Boss: 'Latics can challenge'

Gavin Browne
7/ 8/2008

JOHN Sheridan believes his Oldham Athletic has the potential to be among League One's frontrunners ahead of the new season.

Speaking 48 hours ahead of Saturday's opening game against Millwall, Sheridan is hopeful there can be a successful end to his third season in charge.

The first year brought play-off semi-final defeat against Blackpool, while last season saw Athletic finish eighth despite a crippling series of injuries.

With the likes of Sean Gregan, Andy Liddell and Craig Davies fully fit - and with Lee Hughes back in training - Sheridan has the best and deepest squad of his time at the helm.

He said: "I've been here three years and I want to do better. I'll put pressure on myself by saying we'll do very well this year.

"I want us to go out and play the right tempo from the first whistle, whether we do that is down to the lads on the pitch.

"I think I'll be using two or three substitutions in every game because I've got players on the bench who are going to push the players in the team."

A large squad invariably means some players are going to be disappointed that they fail to make the starting XI or the bench.

However, there may be a plan in place to counter any upset with the possibility of using certain players on a 'horses for courses' basis.

Sheridan explained: "It's something I've thought of, something that might benefit us. I'm not really into rotation because I think that if a team wins and plays well, you stick with it.

"Last year though, I looked at us and how some players were performing away from home compared with at home. Some looked different players because they're outstanding at home and you don't see them away.

"It's something I'll look at but sometimes you win and win well, and think 'why change it?'"

With any possible loan move for Demar Phillips likely to be held up because of a new work permit application, Sheridan faces playing Chris Taylor on the left wing against Millwall with Kelvin Lomax brought in at left-back.

Barring any other surprises, Chris O'Grady and Craig Davies should start up front with Andy Liddell the favourite to start ahead of Deane Smalley on the right-hand side.