With the 2014/15 fixtures released last week, we take a closer look at the teams Latics will be facing.
Doncaster Rovers
Founded:
Doncaster were founded in 1879 by Albert Jenkins and friends and were a founder member of the Midland Alliance League in 1890. They eventually joined the Football League in 1901 before replacement by Bradford in 1903, eventually rejoining Division Two a year later.
Nickname:
Rovers
Background:
After relegation to League One in 2012, Doncaster immediately gained promotion in the 2012/13 season after a dramatic last minute winner saw them win League One on the final day of the season. However, they were relegated again this year under the guidance of former Latics manager, Paul Dickov.
Past Meetings:
Of the 36 meetings between the two sides, Oldham have won just seven, with Doncaster taking the honours in 15 games and 14 games ending all square. The sides met on three occasions in the 2012/13 season, with Doncaster winning both League encounters 1-0 and 2-1 and Oldham winning 3-1 in the FA Cup Second Round.
Recent Signings:
As of yet, Doncaster have made no summer signings.
Player of the Year:
Chris Brown was the 2013/14 player of the year.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 12/1
To be promoted - 7/2
To be relegated - 18/1
Fleetwood Town
Founded:
Fleetwood Town were officially founded in 1998, but Fleetwood date back to 1908 and were champions of the Lancashire Combination League in 1924. However, despite the folding and reformation of not just Fleetwood but also Fleetwood Town, the club were re-formed as Fleetwood Wanderers and only joined the Football League in 2012.
Nickname:
The Cod Army
Background:
After five promotions in eight years, it took Fleetwood just two years to earn another promotion to League One. This will be their first ever season in the league and many are expecting big things from the west-coast club.
Past Meetings:
Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town have never met in a competitive fixture, but have met several times in pre-season fixtures.
Recent Signings:
Fleetwood’s only signing so far has been Danny Andrew from Macclesfield Town for an undisclosed fee.
Player of the Year:
Conor McLaughlin was awarded the Player of the Year award last season.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 20/1
To be promoted - 6/1
To be relegated - 5/1
Gillingham
Founded:
Gillingham were formed in 1893 as New Brompton FC and were among the founder members of the Southern League in 1894. The club's name was changed to Gillingham in 1912 and joined the Football League in 1920.
Nickname:
The Gills
Background:
Gillingham were promoted to League One after winning League Two in the 2012-13 season by four points. In their first season in League One, they finished in 17th position under Peter Taylor.
Past Meetings:
Of the 41 previous competitive meetings between the two sides, Oldham have won 21 games, with 16 victories going to Gillingham and only four games ending in draws. Of the most recent games, Oldham won both by a solitary goal.
Recent Signings:
Gillingham have been very busy in the transfer market so far during pre-season, signing eight players. Gills handed professional contracts to youngsters Josh Hare, Devante McKain and Aaron Millbank as well as signing Doug Loft from Port Vale, Jermaine McGlashan from Cheltenham, Glenn Morris from Aldershot, Aaron Morris from AFC Wimbledon and most recently Josh Pritchard from Fulham.
Player of the Year:
Striker Cody McDonald won the Player of the Year award for Gillingham.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 50/1
To be promoted - 18/1
To be relegated - 6/4
Leyton Orient
Founded:
Leyton Orient were founded in 1881 when members of Glyn Cricket Club formed a football team for the purpose of keeping fit in the winter, and are the second oldest league club in London. They joined the Football League in 1905 and only officially became Leyton Orient in 1987.
Nickname:
The O’s
Background:
The club have spent eight consecutive terms in League One and the 2014/15 is going to be their ninth. Last season they finished in third position and lost out on penalties in the Play-Off Final to Rotherham United, despite being 2-0 up at half time.
Past Meetings:
Of the 60 meeting between the two sides, Oldham have reigned victorious in 25, with Orient winning 16 and 19 finishing draws. The last three meetings between the sides have finished 1-1 with Korey Smith spectacularly equalising in the 90th minute in the most recent fixture
Recent Signings:
Orient’s only signing of the pre-season so far has been Adam Legzdins on a free from Derby County to replace the departing Jamie Jones.
Player of the Year:
Leyton Orient’s player of the year was captain and former-Latics defender Nathan Clarke.
Sky Bet Odds:
To win the league - 14/1
To be promoted - 9/2
To be relegated - 25/1