Oldham Athletic manager Micky Mellon is optimistic about his team's direction following a busy summer of recruitment and a solid start to the League Two campaign. The Latics have collected seven points from their opening four matches, placing them fifth in the table as of early September 2026, just two points behind leaders Bristol Rovers.
Mellon's side has scored seven goals while conceding only three, giving them a healthy +4 goal difference. Their recent form reads DWLW, reflecting a mix of results that includes two wins, one draw, and one loss. "We believe we should have more points, but on the flipside of that we're in a good position," Mellon told the BBC this week.
What has changed at Oldham this summer?
The club undertook a major squad rebuild during the recent transfer window, bringing in a dozen new players. Eleven of those arrivals were free transfers, with one player joining on loan. This overhaul follows a season where Oldham finished 10th in League Two after securing promotion back to the EFL via the National League play-offs under Mellon in the 2023-24 season.
The manager now has a refreshed group to work with as they aim to build on last term's mid-table finish. Fans can view the full updated squad list on the club's official site. The early returns are positive, with the team showing defensive solidity and an ability to find the net.
How does Mellon view the upcoming Tranmere match?
Oldham's next test is a trip to face Tranmere Rovers this Saturday, a club where Mellon enjoyed significant success as manager. He led Rovers to back-to-back promotions in 2018 and 2019. "Genuinely I do enjoy going back," Mellon admitted. "But it's not about me. I'm not playing. It's only about picking up three valuable points for Oldham."
The fixture presents an intriguing managerial subplot, as Tranmere are now led by Darrell Clarke, who obtained his coaching badges while working with Mellon. Clarke's side has also started the season unbeaten, with one win and three draws from their four league games. The full fixtures schedule shows this as a key early-season encounter for both clubs.
Where does Oldham stand in the early title race?
With seven points on the board, Oldham are firmly in the early playoff conversation. Their position of fifth is a promising platform, though the manager acknowledges there is room for improvement. The team's underlying numbers are strong, with their goal difference among the best in the division at this early stage.
Supporters tracking the standings will see the Latics are well-placed but in a tightly packed upper mid-table. The two-point gap to the top shows how quickly a couple of positive results could change the picture. Every point matters in what is always a competitive League Two.
The focus now shifts entirely to preparation for the Tranmere match. Mellon will be hoping his new-look squad can continue their positive start and bring three points back from Prenton Park. The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.
