Oldham Athletic FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Paul Dickov

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Latics expect tough ride

11 Jun 2009 - 10:15:45

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New Oldham Athletic boss Dave Penney has spoken of the large task his squad has in hand ahead of next season.

Penney left Darlington to take over from from former caretaker Joe Royle at the end of last season and is already planning for the 2009-10 League One campaign.

In a division littered with famous names and emerging clubs, promotion to the Championship is likely to prove harder than ever before.

Former Premier League giants Southampton, Norwich City and Charlton Athletic suffered the drop to League One in 2008 and will join the likes of Leeds United, Millwall and MK Dons in the race to go up.

Penney told the Manchester Evening News that his charges can expect a tough ride among the big boys in League One, though he hopes his side can push them throughout the season.

"With Leeds not going up, you've got four massive teams. There is a massive supporter base in Norwich and Southampton and Charlton were in the Premier League not so long ago.

"I also know for a fact that there are few teams really going for it financially and having a real good crack.

"If you've got the biggest budget you should be at the top. But there is always somebody, who goes against the grain, that ends up having a good season through good players, luck with suspensions and luck with injuries and hopefully they can come out near the top."