With the 2014/15 fixtures released last week, we take a closer look at the teams Latics will be facing.
Barnsley
Founded:
Barnsley were founded in 1887 by a clergyman named Tiverton Preedy, playing in the Sheffield and District League from 1890 until joining the Midland League in 1985 and then the Football League in 1898.
Nickname:
The Tykes
Background:
Barnsley were in the Championship between 2006 and 2014, narrowly avoiding relegation in the 2006/07, 2008/09 and 2011/12 seasons – before relegation last season after finishing 23rd under former Sheffield United manager, Danny Wilson.
Past Meetings:
Of the 76 competitive meetings between the two, Oldham have won 30 of them, with 24 being won by Barnsley and 22 being drawn. Barnsley won the most recent meetings between the sides in League One’s 2005/06 season with Barnsley winning 4-0 at home and 3-0 at Boundary Park.
Recent Signings:
Barnsley have signed 21 year old goalkeeper Adam Davies from Sheffield Wednesday on a two-year deal and Kane Hemmings from Cowdenbeath on a one-year deal
Player of the Year:
Barnsley’s player of the year for 2013/14 was former Latics forward, Chris O’Grady
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 12/1
To be promoted - 7/2
To be relegated - 18/1
Bradford City
Founded:
Bradford were founded in 1903 after a series of meetings by the sub-editor of the Bradford Observer with the FA and officials at rugby league side ‘Manningham FC’ as a chance to introduce football to the Rugby League-dominated West Riding of Yorkshire.
Nickname:
The Bantams
Background:
After becoming the first fourth tier club since 1962 to reach a major Wembley cup final, Bradford were promoted to League One in the 2013 play-off final with a 3-0 victory over Northampton Town. In the 2013/14 season, Bradford finished 11th after starting brightly but struggling towards the end of the season.
Past Meetings:
Of the 99 competitive meetings between the two, Oldham have won 39 of them, with 29 being won by Bradford and 31 drawn. Oldham won the most recent meeting between the sides 3-2 at Valley Parade earlier this year, with the reverse fixture ending 1-1 at Boundary Park in late 2013.
Recent Signings:
Bradford have been busy in the market so far this pre-season already signing four players. Matthew Dolan, Billy Knott and Gary Liddle have all signed on free transfers and Niall Heaton was handed a professional contract.
Player of the Year:
Bradford’s player of the year was right-back Stephen Darby – who scooped seven awards altogether.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league 40/1
To be promoted 14/1
To be relegated 2/1
Bristol City
Founded:
The club was founded in 1894 as Bristol South End and changed their name to Bristol City in 1897 upon the adoption of professionalism after admittance to the Southern League. The club merged with Bedminster in 1900 and joined the Football League in 1901.
Nickname:
The Robins
Background:
City were relegated from the Championship in 2013 after a six-year stay in the second tier. After managing 2 wins from 18 games in League One, Sean O’Driscoll was sacked by the club and they were steered to 12th position by new manager, Steve Cotterill.
Past Meetings:
Of the 48 competitive meetings between the two, Oldham have won 14 of them, with 19 being won by Bristol City and 15 finishing as draws. Both meetings between the two finished 1-1 last season.
Recent Signings:
As of yet, Bristol City have made no signings in preparation for the 2014/15 season.
Player of the Year:
Sam Baldock received the Player of the Year award.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 12/1
To be promoted - 7/2
To be relegated - 8/1
Chesterfield
Founded:
Chesterfield were formed in 1866 as it states on the club crest.
Nickname:
The Spireites
Background:
After being relegated from League One in the 2011/12 season, it has only taken Chesterfield two seasons to return from the bottom tier. They won the league under the guidance of Paul Cook.
Past Meetings:
Of the 58 competitive meetings between the two, Oldham have won 28, Chesterfield have won 18 whilst 12 finished draws. The most recent meeting between the sides saw Chesterfield win 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area Semi-Final.
Recent Signings:
Chesterfield signed defender Daniel Jones on a two-year deal. They have also added Charlie Raglan and Charlie Daws to their squad.
Player of the Year:
Sam Morsy claimed the Player of the Year award.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 16/1
To be promoted - 5/1
To be relegated - 7/1