Micky Mellon has urged Oldham Athletic fans to embrace the excitement of their return to the Football League as they gear up for a testing first fixture away at MK Dons this Saturday.
After securing promotion through the National League play-offs in May, the Latics have enjoyed a shortened pre-season, but Mellon is confident the squad is ready.
Mellon Ready for Challenge After Summer Rebuild
His message to supporters is simple: enjoy the moment, but be ready to support through highs and lows.
“Be excited. You’ve waited a long time for it. Be excited. I know your expectations will be high, they always are. I can deal with that, it’s no problem,” said Mellon.
“As long as they’re fair and they support the group, even in the tough times – that’s when we’ll probably need you the most.”
He also highlighted the powerful impact fans had during last season’s successful play-off campaign, calling it a crucial factor in their momentum. “The power of support undoubtedly drove the players to different levels,” he said.
The return to League Two signals a fresh chapter for a club that had endured years of decline before its resurgence under Mellon. The manager admitted he and his staff enjoyed the Wembley success but quickly returned their focus to preparing for a higher level.
“We’re Not Just Taking Part”
Oldham face a significant test in their curtain-raiser against an MK Dons side many are tipping for the title, but Mellon is unfazed by the challenge. He believes the key question isn’t whether former National League teams can compete—it’s whether they can maintain that level across 46 grueling matches.
“We’re not going down there just to take part, we’re going down there to try to win a game,” he said.
“The question is can you compete over 46 games at a new intensity that you will face every week? That will be the challenge.”
The former Tranmere and Dundee United boss also expressed satisfaction with Oldham’s transfer business, stating that new arrivals have brought “a bit of energy” to the group.
“It will be a continual building job, a continual improvement job,” he added.
“And the first learning curve that we’ll get will be on Saturday.”
Writer’s View
There’s a refreshing clarity to Micky Mellon’s message. While many promoted sides talk about survival, he is setting a tone of ambition and expectation. Oldham’s recruitment has gone under the radar, but Mellon has quietly assembled a competitive group, bolstered by belief and momentum.
The MK Dons test will offer an early benchmark, but this doesn’t feel like a club content with just being back in the EFL. If fans match the energy Mellon is asking for, Oldham could quickly become a side nobody enjoys playing against.
