Raglan: Oldham Athletic Keep Bringing Big Game Mentality
Oldham Athletic defender Charlie Raglan has praised his teammates for consistently rising to the occasion when it matters most, insisting that the Latics are more than capable of handling high-pressure fixtures thanks to a strong big game mentality that has been evident throughout the season.
Raglan, a calming presence at the heart of Oldham’s defence, pointed to the club’s recent play-off performances as the perfect illustration of their ability to meet the moment head-on. With the stakes high and the spotlight shining brighter than ever, he says the squad’s response has been nothing short of exceptional.
“These are the types of games you want to be involved in as a footballer,” Raglan said. “The pressure, the crowd, the significance – it all comes together, and I think we’ve shown this season that we thrive in that environment.”
Oldham’s play-off surge has captured the imagination of their supporters, but it’s not just in the National League knockouts where the Latics have proven their mettle. Raglan was quick to remind fans and critics alike of the club’s spirited FA Cup run earlier in the campaign – a journey that saw them push higher-league opposition to their limits and demonstrate their competitive edge on the national stage.
“The FA Cup games were a great barometer for us,” he added. “We went toe-to-toe with teams from higher divisions and didn’t look out of place. That tells you a lot about the character of this group – we don’t back down.”
It’s that same character that manager Micky Mellon has repeatedly highlighted since taking the reins at Boundary Park. Mellon has instilled a sense of belief and grit within the squad, and Raglan credits the manager for helping cultivate an atmosphere where big games are embraced rather than feared.
“There’s a belief in the dressing room that comes from the manager down to the players,” Raglan said. “We prepare properly, we trust each other, and we stick to what we know works. That mentality is crucial when the pressure’s on.”
The centre-back, who joined Oldham in 2023, has been a key figure in helping solidify the backline, bringing leadership and experience to a side that blends seasoned campaigners with younger talent. And while the road to promotion is rarely straightforward, Raglan believes that their proven ability to turn up in key moments gives Oldham a crucial edge.
“There’s still work to do, of course,” he admitted. “But if you look at how we’ve handled the big nights – whether it’s been under the lights in the cup or in front of a full house in the play-offs – we’ve shown what we’re about. That gives us confidence going forward.”
As the season reaches its defining stages, Raglan and his teammates will be leaning on that mentality once more. For Oldham Athletic, the big occasion isn’t something to dread – it’s where they feel most at home.
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