Acting captain Andy Liddell is one of the new boys and was a big signing for the Latics, arriving from Sheffield United. Liddell said, “It's a very hard league to get out of but the manager, board and players are all ambitious. Forest have to start as favourites but there are some other really strong teams. We've brought in a lot of good players so you're always hopeful but it is too soon to say what will happen. I've been in this division before, with Wigan - who had a lot more money than Oldham - and it was very difficult then. But I've been there and done it (won promotion) before so I know what it's all about. It is difficult but we've been away and I think we're beginning to gell. But I'm delighted to be at Oldham and was very pleased when they came in for me.”
Newly appointed captain Chris Swailes told the official site, “I was delighted to have been made captain, it came as a complete surprise. When I return from injury I hope to do it proud and be a big influence on the squad. I have seen specialists and they have told me its going to be another four weeks, so I hope to be back in the squad by September. Yeovil are going to be a tough side to beat. They gave my previous team a hammering in the F.A Cup last year when I was with Rotherham but at the start of the season every team has half a chance. People predict they will be pushing for the play off's but I can see them just sitting it out in this division a season. It takes about ten games for most teams to settle, so it's vital that we win our home games, and with the quality of the players, and support of the fans I think we can. I wish the lads the best of luck for tomorrow. I can't wait to get fit and join them.”
Ex-boss Joe Royle, still a Latics supporter, believes that the team have what it takes to mount a promotion challenge. The Latics most successful manager ever is backing the lads for promotion. He said, “It has to be a realistic target. Ronnie Moore has brought in some quality players and it is about time the fans were celebrating more success. Oldham will always have a special place in my heart and I wish them all the best. They will need it against a club that was playing non-league just three years ago but Yeovil have been crowned champions twice in that period and are enjoying unrivalled success themselves. They are a team that can football you to death, if you let them. The Glovers are an attack-minded outfit who don't sit back and defend. Going for goals is their game and the Latics mustn't let them settle on the ball, but they do have a soft underbelly on their travels.”
The man that counts, Ronnie Moore added, “I think reaching the play-offs would be a tremendous achievement after the last two seasons have been spent battling relegation.”