Oldham Athletic have published their retained list this morning, with very few surprises as the clear-out begins.
Boundary Park is not sued to sustained fourth-tier football and fans will be hoping to see an influx of quality footballers arriving who can help propel them to a competitive level next season, under former Stevenage boss Dino Maamria. The Tunisian has extensive contacts within the game who he will need to call upon after discarding nine players.
Kielen Adams, Desire Segbe Azankpo, Marvin Kokos, Chris McCann, Zak Mills, Javid Swaby-Neavin, Gevaro Nepomuceno, Jamie Stott and Scott Wilson will all leave the club, with few tears being shed amongst supporters. With loan players leaving too, and a number of contracts only extended in the short term due to Covid-19, it means the Latics have just six players contracted for next season.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to all the players who have not been retained for their contribution whilst at Boundary Park and we wish them well in their future careers,” said the statement. “An update to supporters will be provided as soon as possible if a player extends his stay upon the expiration of the Covid-19 clause.”
The Covid-19 clause is a special contract extension that has been facilitated across EFL clubs to allow both the Club and player more time to resolve their futures. Johan Branger-Engone, Zeus De la Paz, Tomas Egert, Mohamed Maouche and Christopher Missilou are subject to that clause.
Zak Dearnley, Dylan Fage, Tom Hamer, Danny Rowe, David Wheater and Gary Woods are retained and will form the nucleus of the Oldham side, meaning Maamria will need to have a busy summer. That said, few fans seemed to disagree with his decisions in regards to who to release, with only one player likely to be missed: Chris McCann. He’s already being linked with Salford City and Bolton, but supporters on Twitter feel perhaps he might have been one to keep.
The best reaction to the retained list can be found below.
I would of kept stott and McCann
— Josh Jantas (@JantasJosh) July 1, 2020
McCann released? 🤔 he’s the only one who can play football 😂 #oafc
— Paul OAFC (@LaticsPaul) July 1, 2020
IF ANY OF THE COVID EXTENSIONS GET CONTRACTS SOMEONE PLEASE BURN THE CLUB DOWN #oafc
— save les latiques (@bringbackngoo) July 1, 2020
It’s a mistake letting McCann go, not arsed about the rest. Short term extension for “French lads” only🤔
— Ric Jeffery (@dancingdickie) July 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/sambucaisevil/status/1278400566528479240
Only just seen this and tbf out of the players released McCann is the only one I’m bothered about. All depends on recruitment now and getting some decent loan players in.
— foreverblue901 (@foreverblue901) July 2, 2020
The list is an utter disgrace;
Covid-19 Short-term Extensions
Johan Branger-Engone, Zeus De la Paz, Tomas Egert, Mohamed Maouche, Christopher Missilou.
Zeus should be the first out the door!! Abdallahs mates kept on! Making a mockery of our club. Get the lemmies out!!! #OAFC— John Clarke (@clarkeyoafc) July 1, 2020
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