Why Oldham Athletic are looking to keep the core of their promotion winning squad together.

Oldham Athletic Issue Retained List After 2024/25 Season Ends

 

Oldham Athletic have confirmed their retained list following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with manager Micky Mellon aiming to keep the core of his promotion-winning squad intact.

 

After securing a dramatic return to the Football League, Mellon has wasted no time in starting talks with a number of key players whose contracts are set to expire this summer. A total of 20 players are out of contract at Boundary Park, but the club is determined to build on the momentum of their successful campaign.

 

Among those offered new deals are several fan favourites and major contributors to the club’s National League success. Leading the list is top scorer Mike Fondop, whose goals proved crucial in pushing Oldham over the line. The towering striker finished the season with 19 goals in all competitions, earning plaudits for his physicality, work rate, and knack for scoring important goals.

 

Also in negotiations is vice captain Charlie Raglan, a commanding presence at the back throughout the campaign. His leadership qualities and consistency have made him a cornerstone of Mellon’s defensive unit, and the club are hopeful of agreeing terms to extend his stay.

 

Wembley hero James Norwood is another player the Latics want to retain. The experienced forward etched his name into Oldham folklore with a dramatic winner in the play-off final, and Mellon believes Norwood still has much to offer as the club returns to League Two.

 

“We’ve spoken with a number of the lads already, and the conversations have been positive,” said Mellon. “These players have shown incredible character, and we want to reward that and build around them for the challenges ahead.”

 

However, not all out-of-contract players will be staying on. The club confirmed that six individuals have been released, including defender Shaun Hobson. Hobson, who made over 30 appearances this season, featured prominently in the early stages of the campaign but fell down the pecking order following the January arrival of experienced reinforcements.

 

Hobson’s departure will be felt, as the 25-year-old had developed a strong rapport with supporters and was viewed as a solid performer when called upon. The club thanked him and the other departing players for their efforts during their time at Boundary Park.

 

Alongside Hobson, five others have also been shown the door, though the club has not publicly listed all the names at this stage. Mellon stated that the decisions were difficult but necessary to ensure the squad is competitive at the next level.

 

“We’re going to need to strengthen in certain areas,” he added. “This is a step up, and we have to be ready. Some tough calls had to be made, but it’s all about putting the club in the best possible position going forward.”

 

Oldham’s rise back to the Football League has ignited optimism around the club, and supporters will be encouraged to see that efforts are underway to retain the spine of a squad that has brought pride back to Boundary Park.

 

More announcements on contract renewals and potential signings are expected in the coming weeks as the Latics prepare for life in League Two.

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