Oldham Athletic manager Micky Mellon insists he has no regrets over James Norwood’s departure despite the striker’s impressive start at Fleetwood Town.
Norwood scored in each of his first two appearances for the Cod Army after leaving Boundary Park in the summer, but Mellon is focused on reshaping his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.
No Looking Back on Norwood Exit
The 34-year-old forward signed off in style with a crucial goal in Oldham’s 3-2 National League play-off final win over Southend United at Wembley in June, helping Latics secure their return to the EFL. That match proved to be his last in an Oldham shirt, with his contract expiring before a free transfer to Fleetwood.
While Norwood has hit the ground running at Highbury, Mellon maintains that the decision to part ways was right for all involved.
“No. It was the right decision at the right time for everybody concerned,” said the Oldham boss, though he admitted the club are “running out of time” in their hunt for a replacement.
Latics have already brought in Joe Quigley as a target man, but a proven poacher in the mould of Norwood has so far eluded them. With the transfer window closing on 1 September, the pressure is on to deliver reinforcements.
Financial Balancing Act
Mellon was open about the financial constraints the club are working under, explaining that further signings depend on moving players out.
“Some of the boys aren’t very keen to go to some of the options that came their way, which is disappointing for us because surely they want to go and play,” he said. “At the end of the day they’re holding the cards because they’re the ones with the contracts.”
The Oldham boss revealed that unless departures are sanctioned, funds will be tight for new additions. He did, however, praise chairman Frank Rothwell for his backing since the takeover.
“We’ve told them it’s not looking likely they’re going to play any football here, but if we can get them out it might free up a bit of money for us if the player that we want does become available. That could make a difference. Unless Frank goes ‘yep, boom’, sticks in any more, which I’m not putting him under pressure to do because he’s been fantastic for us, that’s the situation.”
Writer’s View
Letting James Norwood go was always likely to spark debate, particularly once he started scoring for Fleetwood. Yet Oldham’s decision appears rooted in long-term planning, balancing the wage bill and refreshing the squad rather than relying on an ageing forward. Mellon’s honesty about the financial challenges offers a glimpse of the reality for clubs recently promoted back to the EFL.
The key now is whether Oldham can find the right striker before the window closes, ensuring that their return to League Two is not undermined by a lack of firepower.
