Oldham Athletic boss David Dunn says the selection dilemma he faces is one he enjoys as he welcomes three new faces to his squad this week ahead of their Wigan clash.
Midfielder Jay Fulton and forward Michael Higdon have joined Latics on loan from Swansea and Sheffield United respectively, while Dunn also picked up versatile free agent Richard Eckersley to bolster his defensive options.
The player-manager also welcomes captain Liam Kelly back from a spell on the sidelines, and this week’s team news means there is renewed optimism at the club despite their seven-match winless streak.
“Already in this last week, we’re seeing the competition for places which is certainly a good thing from my point of view,” said Dunn, who is still without the suspended Jonathan Forte and injured Jake Cassidy.
“I want to be able to have selection headaches. There’s a real competition.
“I’d like to see one or two more [new signings come in]; I think we’re one of two off becoming really competitive. If we can do that then I think we’ll be there or there abouts.
“We’ll have to wait and see on Saturday who I feel gets the nod.”
Dunn, who is still adamant that his playing days are not over, will take charge of Latics at Boundary Park for the first time after drawing away to Doncaster last weekend, and admits that it will be a tough derby match against an in-form Wigan Athletic side.
After a slow start, Wigan now sit just outside the playoff places and have scored seven goals in their three September fixtures to date.
Key man Grant Holt could also feature for this first time this season after a lengthy injury, while 18-year-old defender Jonjoe Kenny has been recalled from his loan spell at the DW Stadium by Everton.
Oldham are without a clean sheet in their last five league fixtures, and Dunn acknowledges that Saturday’s fixture will be about discipline and not bowing to frustration.
“It’s going to be a tough game. They keep possession well so we’re going to have to have a good shape about us and stick to our game plan.
“Let’s be fair, we’ve got some good players ourselves. Hopefully the fans will get behind us; it certainly helps when the supporters are behind the players.”
Image courtesy of Oldham Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
