Micky Mellon has signed his son, Michael, on a season-long loan from Burnley.

The 21-year-old was earmarked as the goalscoring striker that the Oldham Athletic boss wanted after winning promotion back to the Football League.

And Mellon senior is confident that a previously on-off deal will be worth the wait, and efforts that the club have gone to in order to get it over the line.

“We believe we’ve brought in a striker who is different to the ones we’ve got,” said the Latics boss. “Michael has always been a goalscorer.

“Yes, he’s my son, but we’ve brought him in to help us win games of football and that’s the sole reason.

“He’s physical, technically very good and has the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

“He’s had a bit of a tough time with injury lately, but he looks like he’s grown through that and we can get the best version of Michael.”

Mellon junior began his career in the Manchester United Academy before joining his dad’s old club, Burnley, at Under 16s level in the summer of 2019.

He progressed through the Clarets’ Academy, consistently finding the net, which led to two loan spells with Morecambe in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 season, scoring 15 goals in 27 appearances, before being recalled by Burnley in January 2024.

He has since had loan spells with Dundee, Stockport County and Bradford City, helping the Bantams win promotion to League One last season.

Of joining Oldham, Michael said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed for this huge club.

“When the opportunity came about, I knew this was the place I wanted to come and play.

“I want to get back to my best, I’ve had a tough time with injuries lately but I feel good now.

“Obviously my Dad is in charge and the opportunity to work with him is exciting, but it’s about showing what I can do in front of goal.

“I know my qualities and I want to hit the ground running and get the Oldham supporters off their seats.”

Latics boss Mellon added: “He had a lot of interest but he believes Oldham is the best place for him to play his football this season.

“He’s seen what Boundary Park is like when it’s full and roaring, the decision has been his to make and he’s picked Oldham.”

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