Sheridan seeks to begin great escape against Rochdale

John Sheridan

Oldham host nearby rivals Rochdale in the first match of John Sheridan’s dramatic comeback as they begin the fight to salvage their Football League status.

The Shezerrection, as it is being affectionately dubbed, could see the biggest home crowd for Oldham so far this season, with many boycotters set to return.

But the wave of positivity brought about by Sheridan’s return and Lemsagam’s decision to sell will soon dissipate if results don’t change.

Last week's crushing 3-0 defeat to Harrogate, coupled with Colchester’s recent unlikely victory away at Salford, has left the Latics even further adrift.

Sitting rock bottom on 18 points through 25 games, six points from safety, it really is do or die at this stage.

Sheridan has pulled off two dramatic escapes before at the club, but some feel a miracle will be needed to make it a third.

Rochdale themselves are hardly in flying form, but did recently see off promotion hopefuls Newport County 3-0 and are ten points ahead of Oldham in 18th.

Sheridan said: “I love the club and want to help the team and supporters out the best I can.

“I can talk as much as I want and say the right things as much as I want, it’s about me getting it into the players that the football club needs to stay in this league. It’s about them going and performing and I know the supporters are going to be there.

“I know the supporters will back me and I know they’ve got a lot of time for me, but it’s about the players, they are the most important people. They are the ones who are going to go out on the pitch and win us a game.”

Before the game, supporters of both teams will march from Rochdale to Oldham under the banner “Fans TOGETHER” in a show of solidarity.

The walk will recognise both Oldham’s fight to remove Lemsagam from the club and Rochdale’s battle against Morton House Ltd, a group who attempted a hostile takeover of the club last summer and have since launched legal action after fans rallied to defeat it.

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