Oldham have hired two former club and Leeds employees for senior positions at Avenue, a move designed to inject experience ahead of the next season. The appointments were confirmed on 10 July 2026, with former Oldham academy director Mark Hargreaves taking the role of Technical Director and ex‑Leeds scouting chief Sarah Bennett appointed Head of Recruitment.

Who are the new appointments?

Mark Hargreaves spent five years overseeing Oldham’s youth set‑up, guiding the likes of James Miller to first‑team debuts before moving to Leeds United in 2022. His return to the north‑west sees him tasked with rebuilding the Academy and linking it directly to Avenue’s senior squad. Sarah Bennett, meanwhile, spent three seasons as Leeds’ chief scout, credited with spotting the 2023‑24 breakout striker Ethan Cole. At Avenue she will oversee player identification across the UK and Ireland, targeting talent that fits the club’s budget and style.

Why does this matter for Oldham?

Oldham finished the 2025‑26 campaign in 10th place in League Two, collecting 68 points from 46 games (18W‑14D‑14L) and posting a recent form of WLLLL. Their last result, a 3‑0 victory over Accrington ST on 2 May 2026, highlighted a potent attack that netted 60 goals while conceding 44, leaving a +16 goal difference. Yet the team sits 19 points behind leaders Bromley, underscoring the gap to promotion. By bringing back Hargreaves and Bennett, the club hopes to tighten the pipeline from academy to first team and unearth affordable talent capable of closing that deficit.

How will the new staff influence the squad?

Hargreaves plans to revamp the youth curriculum, introducing a modern possession‑based framework that mirrors successful lower‑league models. He will also mentor current first‑team coach Liam O’Connor, ensuring a seamless transition for promising youngsters. Bennett’s scouting network will prioritize versatile midfielders and robust centre‑backs, addressing the defensive frailties that led to 44 goals conceded. Early reports suggest she has already shortlisted three potential signings for the summer window, all under £250,000.

What’s next for Oldham?

The club’s board has set a target of breaking into the top six by the end of the 2026‑27 season, a realistic ambition if the new appointments deliver. Fans can expect a series of pre‑season friendlies in July, where Hargreaves will likely give academy prospects a taste of senior football. Meanwhile, Bennett will present her first recruitment report to the board in early August, outlining priority targets to bolster the squad ahead of the September transfer deadline. If the 3‑0 win over Accrington was any indication, Oldham possess the firepower to climb the table, provided the back‑line tightens up.

Oldham’s strategic hires signal a clear intent: blend home‑grown talent with shrewd scouting to bridge the 19‑point gap to Bromley and push for a promotion push next season.