Blues Marching In | EA FC26

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2025-2026 Board Expectations

Short-term:

• Mid-table finish
• Reach Round of 16 of FA Cup

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Oldham Athletic 2025-2026 Squad

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[Captain Canada]

I'm game to follow. Always down for a slow grind to the top pause if needed).

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Oldham Athletic Secure Jamal Lewis on Free Transfer
August 2025 — Fresh off their return to the Football League, Oldham Athletic have made their biggest statement yet by completing the signing of former Premier League and Northern Ireland international Jamal Lewis on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old left-back arrives at Boundary Park after departing Newcastle United, bringing a wealth of experience from the Premier League, Championship, international football, and a spell in Brazil with São Paulo. Once regarded as one of England's brightest young full-backs during Norwich City's promotion-winning campaign, Lewis now begins the next chapter of his career with one of English football's most historic clubs.

For manager Micky Mellon, the signing is another indication that Oldham's ambitions extend well beyond simply surviving their first season back in League Two.

"We've worked incredibly hard to get this football club back where it belongs, but nobody here is satisfied with that," Mellon said. "Jamal has played at the highest level. He's experienced promotion battles, Premier League football, and international football. Those are exactly the kinds of standards we're trying to bring into this dressing room."

Lewis admitted that several clubs expressed interest after his departure from Newcastle, but said Oldham's vision stood out from the rest.

"The conversations with the manager were the biggest factor," Lewis explained. "He wasn't talking about just staying in League Two. He spoke about building something that could keep climbing. You can feel the momentum around this football club, and I wanted to be part of it."

After ending a three-year absence from the Football League, optimism has returned to Boundary Park. The club has retained the core of its promotion-winning squad while adding experienced talent capable of competing immediately in League Two.

Lewis believes Oldham's expectations should match the size of the club.

"This is a massive football club with incredible supporters. You look at the history here, the crowds, and the facilities, and you know the ambition has to be bigger than just making up the numbers. We want to establish ourselves in League Two and push as high as we possibly can."

The signing is widely viewed as one of the standout acquisitions of the League Two summer window. Lewis brings over 100 Championship appearances, Premier League experience with Newcastle United, and more than 40 caps for Northern Ireland—credentials rarely seen at this level.

While the Latics know the step back into League Two presents new challenges, the arrival of a player of Lewis's pedigree sends a clear message to the rest of the division.

Promotion back to the EFL was only the beginning. Under Micky Mellon, Oldham Athletic intend to build momentum rather than merely preserve it, and the signing of Jamal Lewis signals a club determined to accelerate its rise through the football pyramid.

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Fondop Departs for Rotherham United after $550,000 sale
August 2025 — Oldham Athletic have confirmed the sale of Mike Fondop to League One side Rotherham United in a deal reportedly worth $550,000.

Fondop leaves Boundary Park after playing a pivotal role in the club's return to the Football League, becoming a fan favorite through his goals, physical presence, and relentless work ethic. His departure comes as a disappointment to supporters just days before the start of the new League Two season.

While losing such an influential player is a significant blow, the reported fee represents excellent business for the Latics. Although well short of the club's record transfer sale, it is believed to rank among Oldham's largest outgoing deals in the modern era and provides manager Micky Mellon with valuable funds to reinvest in the squad before the transfer window closes.

Everyone at Oldham Athletic thanks Mike for his contributions to the club and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.

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Latics Move Quickly to Land Gomes Rodriguez on Loan
August 2025 — Oldham Athletic have responded swiftly to the departure of Mike Fondop by completing the season-long loan signing of Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez from French giants Lyon.

The highly-rated young forward arrives at Boundary Park on a one-year deal and is expected to add pace, creativity, and technical quality to Micky Mellon's attacking options ahead of the new League Two campaign.

While Gomes Rodriguez offers a very different profile to the physical presence of Fondop, the move signals Oldham's intent to reinvest quickly following the club's reported $550,000 transfer windfall. The Latics believe the Lyon prospect has the potential to become one of the league's standout young talents.

Supporters will be eager to see the 17-year-old in action as Oldham look to build on last season's promotion and continue their upward trajectory back in the Football League.

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Latics Promote Yun to First-Team Squad
August 2025 — Oldham Athletic have confirmed the promotion of 17-year-old winger Chun So Yun to the club's senior squad following an impressive start to the summer.

The pacey wide player, regarded as one of the club's brightest academy prospects, has earned his opportunity after catching the eye in training and will now compete for first-team minutes during the 2025-26 campaign.

To make room for the youngster, Oldham have also terminated Kai Payne's loan spell by mutual agreement, allowing the winger to return to Wigan Athletic. The move clears a squad place while reinforcing manager Micky Mellon's commitment to giving homegrown talent a pathway into the first team.

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