Oldham Athletic boss Lee Johnson admits he cannot wait for the start of the new season as he prepares for his side’s Sky Bet League 1 opener against Stevenage.
Latics travel to Hertfordshire on Saturday for only their third trip to the Lamex Stadium with nine new summer signings and just eight survivors from the squad involved in the last trip to Stevenage in February.
With so many changes and an unbeaten pre-season, Johnson is keen to get the new campaign underway and secure a first opening day win for Oldham since 2010.
“I’m looking forward to it and I am pleased with the recruitment we have done over the summer,” he told Latics Player.
“The lads have bonded together and gelled well and I’m going into the season in high spirits.
“We’ve got to play the moment. It’s 11 humans against each other and they’ve got to make the decisions on the pitch.”
Having picked up a knock in training, winger James Dayton is Athletic’s only injury worry as all nine signings in the squad – including former Boro striker Charlie MacDonald – look to make their competitive debuts.
Stevenage, who recently signed Oumare Tounkara scorer of eight goals for Oldham during two loan spells, are managed by Graham Westley in his third spell at the club.
“I have played against Graham Westley’s sides for years. He has done well as a manager and had a long career and successes,” added Johnson.
“I’m fully respectful of him as a manager and I’m looking forward this year to putting myself forward against these managers who’ve had good careers.
“They’re a good side and I think they’ll surprise a few people this year. We know enough about them to know that they’ve got a lot of different options.”
Boro have six new signings vying to be involved and also have ex-Oldham players Filipe Morais, Chris Day and Lee Hills available.
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