Oldham Athletic's roots run deep for Stoke City manager Mark Robins, who will face his old local club in the Carabao Cup first round tie tomorrow. Robins grew up in the shadow of Oldham Athletic, with his junior team called Boundary Park Juniors, closely affiliated with the club.
What happened?
Robins will start his second full season as Stoke City manager with a Carabao Cup first round tie against his old local club. He reflected on happy times as a kid learning the game in Chadderton, where he played for a Sunday team called Boundary Park Juniors.
Why it matters for Oldham
Oldham were on a 17-year stretch in the second division when Robins was a boy before spending six seasons in the top flight while he was a player. They have had some tough times since then, slipping into non-league in 2022 and struggling before Micky Mellon arrived as manager in October 2023.
What comes next?
The loan move for young winger Favour Fawunmi, who is not eligible this weekend, is a testament to the club's rebuilding efforts. Robins said, "They have an identity. Micky has done really well. He was at Tranmere a few years ago and he got them promotion back to back and did really well there, then he went to Scotland - to Dundee United - and he came back down again and ended up at Oldham and got them promoted back into the league, which is no easy task."
Current form
Oldham won promotion via the play-offs in 2025, finished in the top half of League Two last term, and are thought of well enough by Stoke that they have sanctioned a loan move for young winger Favour Fawunmi. Robins said, "Favour came back this summer and he looks ready to play. I think the spell at Leyton Orient has done him the world of good. The injury curtailed it but I think it was good, working with Richie Wellens there and that stands him in good stead for this season."
Next fixture
Next, Oldham will face Chesterfield (away, 2027-02-20) (15th in the table).
