Michael Mellon says his move from Burnley to Oldham Athletic is about far more than sentiment, even if linking up with father and Latics boss Micky Mellon is a “bucket list” moment.
The 21-year-old striker outlined his ambition to chase promotion feelings “every year” as he prepares for his first appearance in blue.
‘Bucket list’ reunion with clear goals
Mellon spoke of a childhood shaped by football, recalling Saturdays spent watching his dad in the dugout and re-enacting those moments with his brother. Now the striker is working under Mellon senior for real, with the Oldham manager having targeted a goalscorer and believing his son fits the bill.
Mellon junior arrives determined to make an impact after helping Bradford City win promotion to League One on the final day of last season while on loan, before witnessing Oldham’s own play-off triumph at Wembley. He said the path to Boundary Park took longer than expected, but that the club was always his first choice once the opportunity emerged.
He also described a challenging recent spell for game time and stressed the importance of playing for a manager he trusts.
“Last year at Bradford that feeling of needing to win every week and getting that result at the end of promotion it’s an addictive feeling and not something I want to happen once, I want it to happen every year. It’s why I’ve come here, I want to try to do it again.
“It’s been a long, drawn out process but I’m just delighted that it’s finally done… I’m just really glad to be here. As soon as I heard it was an option I had nothing else on my mind, it’s where I wanted to go.”
Mellon added that being at Wembley for Oldham’s promotion gave him a stronger sense of the club’s connection with supporters, calling the day “special” and reinforcing his desire to be part of the journey.
Writer’s View
The key takeaway is intent. Mellon frames his Oldham switch around chasing momentum, referencing the thrill of promotion and a belief that performances will soon match results. The trust factor with his father, Micky, is central, but the striker’s focus on minutes, coaching and impact suggests a football decision first.
With Oldham seeking that first League Two win, his confidence, fitness and readiness ahead of the Cambridge United trip provide timely encouragement for a squad that, in Mellon’s words, has been “mauling” opponents without the scorelines to match.
