Oldham Athletic

Manager's plea for patience

Lee Johnson has made a plea for patience as Latics prepare for tomorrow's SkyBet League 1 match at Crawley Town.

Latics' manager pointed to runaway league leaders Leyton Orient as a prime example as they have not always enjoyed successful times.

He explained: "If you look at Leyton Orient, who are absolutely flying, this time last year they weren't far off the position we find ourselves in.

"It takes time and there is no miracle cure when you chuck together a group of players which I had been hoping for.

"We haven't had that bit of luck you need, but certainly we believe it will come."

Johnson says with that element of good fortune, Latics could find themselves in ninth place which is occupied by Crawley.

And though Crawlwy are unbeaten in their least four league matches, Johnson is upbeat saying: "I believe we can get a positive result with the squad and team we have and it is a good game for us.

"Crawley also go out to win every game so you would think it will be an open game and certainly not a nil-nil.

"They are a solid side and I can picture them as where we would like to be if we could fast forward in time.

"Striker Billy Clarke is a top player while Kyle McFadzean is a good player who likes to play football from the back."