Latics manager praises fans after crucial win at Stevenage

John Sheridan: “I’m just so, so pleased that we’ve won it for the magnificent support we’ve had all day."

Now is not the time to relax and take the foot of the gas was the message Oldham Athletic manager John Sheridan had for his players despite the team moving three points clear of the League Two relegation zone.

Latics went into the crucial relegation six-pointer at Stevenage knowing that a win would move them clear of the bottom two and put them in prime position to pull of the great escape.

That’s just what happened as Jamie Hopcutt’s first half header proved enough to secure the three points and spoil their hosts big day, leaving Stevenage deep in trouble.

However, Sheridan was quick to acknowledge that the job is far from done, especially as Stevenage have a game in hand over his side, if they win that they’ll move level with Latics on points.

Following the win at the Lamex Stadium though, the manager reserved special praise for the travelling fans who made the long trip to Stevenage.

“I’m just so, so pleased that we’ve won it for the magnificent support we’ve had all day.

“We didn’t play well but we’ve done what we had to do.

“They’ve come down to get behind us and they’re a massive part of why we won the game and they can see what it means to me they know what I’m like. I’ve been in the club a long, long time and I’ve got a lot of fondness for them.”

Next up for Oldham is a trip to Port Vale on Saturday, April 9, and Sheridan knows the job is far from done as the number of games left continue to tick down.

“Massive win for us but a long, long way to go, I’ll be jumping around and kicking every ball and I’m going to do it for the next six games, it won’t do my health any good but I’m going to do it and hopefully it’ll work out and make us safe.