Oldham Athletic striker Elliott Nevitt has credited manager Micky Mellon for the chance that launched his professional career, a partnership renewed at Boundary Park this season. Nevitt, who scored on his full debut in a 3-0 win over Swindon Town, described Mellon's approach as 'harsh' but effective, speaking in an interview reported by the Oldham Times this week.
Oldham currently sit 10th in the League Two table with 7 points from their opening five matches, their form reading LDWLW. They have scored 7 goals while conceding 5, giving them a +2 goal difference as they prepare for their next fixture. The Latics are 5 points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers in the title race.
How did Elliott Nevitt and Micky Mellon first work together?
Their football relationship began in 2021 when Mellon, then in charge of Tranmere Rovers, signed Nevitt from non-league Warrington Rylands. That move gave the striker his first taste of professional football. Nevitt had previously made headlines by scoring a hat-trick for Warrington Rylands in the FA Vase. Mellon has managed two separate spells at Prenton Park, establishing a reputation for developing players.
After leaving Tranmere, Nevitt gained further experience with spells at Crewe Alexandra and Gillingham, along with a loan period at Cambridge United. His path crossed again with Mellon when the manager was appointed at Oldham Athletic in October 2023.
Why did Nevitt reunite with Mellon at Oldham Athletic?
The reunion happened in the summer of 2023 or later, with Nevitt joining a squad already containing familiar faces for the manager. Forward James Norwood was an existing Oldham player when Mellon took charge. Mellon has since brought in several players he has worked with before, creating a core group he trusts.
Midfielder Ollie Norburn, winger Josh Hawkes, and defender Manny Monthe have all played under Mellon at previous clubs and are now at Boundary Park. Defender Jamie Robson was managed by Mellon at Dundee United, while midfielder Ryan Woods played for him at Shrewsbury Town. This strategy aims to build a cohesive unit quickly, a useful approach in a competitive league where every point matters. Fans can track the squad's development on the official squad page.
What is Micky Mellon's managerial style like?
Nevitt was direct in his assessment. "He's harsh," the striker said. He elaborated by calling it "tough love," a style the 54-year-old manager is known for. This approach demands high standards and accountability from players, something Nevitt appears to respond to positively.
The proof of their effective partnership was evident on the pitch. Nevitt marked his first start for Oldham Athletic by scoring the opening goal in that comprehensive 3-0 victory against Swindon Town. That contribution helped secure three valuable points for a side looking to climb the standings.
What is next for Oldham Athletic?
The immediate focus is a match against Tranmere Rovers, a club deeply connected to both Mellon and Nevitt. The fixture is scheduled for a 3pm kickoff. It presents a notable narrative given Mellon's history there and Nevitt's beginnings under his guidance.
For Nevitt, the opportunity at Oldham represents a key chapter. His gratitude to Mellon is clear, and his early goal suggests he is ready to repay that faith. The team's current position shows a solid, if unspectacular, start to the campaign. Supporters can look ahead to the full schedule of upcoming games on the club's fixtures list. Oldham Athletic's next match is against Tranmere Rovers at 3pm.
