Schmeltz fulfils dream to play in England
New-signing Sidney Schmeltz is relishing the prospect of playing in England.The 24-year-old Dutchman says he didn't need asking twice to sign for Latics which marks a new chapter in the winger's career.
"It came as a surprise because I was in negotiations with Slovakian club Trencin when I heard of interest from Oldham," he explained.
And after talking to Lee Johnson, Schmeltz had no qualms about signing for Latics.
Schemltz, who is on a whistlestop visit to find a new home for his wife and 15-month-old daughter, said: "I had been wanting a big step in my career and, immediately I heard of Oldham's interest, I made up my mind I wanted to come here and make it work.
"I was impressed by the manager's vision for the club and, for me, it is a dream transfer.
"It scares me, but in a good way. I am hungry to learn and also to experience playing in a different country."
Schmeltz, who is two footed and can play on either wing or in other midfield roles, says he has always been a huge fan of English football.
He continued: "I knew about Oldham because I have followed all the leagues in England."
"I knew Oldham was a club with a great history and they have also played in the Premier League.
"And last season they had an amazing cup run and those are the games you want to play in. They show what you are made of."
Schmeltz, a Chelsea fan, loves the English style of play adding the Premier League is the best league in the world.
"It would be a dream to play in it, but I am not thinking of that. I am focusing on playing well for Oldham and want to enjoy every moment."
Schmeltz was spotted by top Dutch club RKC Waalwijk as a 15-year-old progressing to their reserve side.
He moved to Willem II for whom he played nine times in the top division.
Schmeltz dropped down to the second tier of Dutch football to get regular football football joining Almere City.
He then moved to Sparta Rotterdam and last season was at Veendam until the second division side filed for bankruptcy in March 2013 leaving him a free agent.
In total he has played 86 games for Willem II, Almere City, Sparta Rotterdam and Veendam.
He says it has been a tough time with Veendam going out of business.
Schmeltz said: "It was a difficult season off the field and to experience the things I did.
"I look on it as all part of my education and I grew as a person.
"I think I am a better person for what I experienced, but it hurts that the club does not exist any more.
"I am glad it is all over and I cannot wait to report for training next week and to start playing for Oldham."
"And last season they had an amazing cup run and those are the games you want to play in. They show what you are made of."
Schmeltz, a Chelsea fan, loves the English style of play adding the Premier League is the best league in the world.
"It would be a dream to play in it, but I am not thinking of that. I am focusing on playing well for Oldham and want to enjoy every moment."
Schmeltz was spotted by top Dutch club RKC Waalwijk as a 15-year-old progressing to their reserve side.
He moved to Willem II for whom he played nine times in the top division.
Schmeltz dropped down to the second tier of Dutch football to get regular football football joining Almere City.
He then moved to Sparta Rotterdam and last season was at Veendam until the second division side filed for bankruptcy in March 2013 leaving him a free agent.
In total he has played 86 games for Willem II, Almere City, Sparta Rotterdam and Veendam.
He says it has been a tough time with Veendam going out of business.
Schmeltz said: "It was a difficult season off the field and to experience the things I did.
"I look on it as all part of my education and I grew as a person.
"I think I am a better person for what I experienced, but it hurts that the club does not exist any more.
"I am glad it is all over and I cannot wait to report for training next week and to start playing for Oldham."