Lee Johnson will return to the Crewe Alexandra side he nearly joined as a player 18 months ago as he brings his Oldham players to Gresty Road on Saturday.
Johnson snubbed Alex’s offer following a trial in the winter of 2012 choosing instead to accept his first managerial role at Boundary Park shortly after.
Now approaching one year at the Latics helm, Johnson has played up the game ahead of a Crewe side that are in the relegation zone, but can leapfrog the visitors with a victory.
“It’s two evenly-matched teams who both really want and need the points,” said the 32-year-old.
“They’ve got spirit and certain players back fit so it will be a tough game.”
Crewe boss Steve Davis admits he holds no grudges over the decision and looks forward to reuniting with the young manager in their League One clash.
“He has done exceptionally well in his first job,” Davis told the club’s website.
“He is a good guy and I really like him, and I know he will be as determined as I am to get those three points.”
Oldham, 18th-placed in the table, welcome back a couple of players of players of their own as Jonson Clarke-Harris has served his suspension and James Dayton returns from injury.
Putting in a call to the fourth emergency service, Johnson has dipped into the loan market to sign midfielder Joel Byrom from Preston North End.
The 27-year-old has signed on an emergency loan deal until the end of the season and could make his debut this weekend.
Johnson said of his new signing: “Joel’s come in to bolster us and adds a bit of experience at this level which is something we need.
“Clarke-Harris and Dayton are back now though, so we’ve got a bit of a selection conundrum.”
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