John Sheridan On The United Match

Last updated : 26 August 2006 By Thetashkentterror
John Sheridan
Oldham boss John Sheridan spoke exclusively to Oldham's official website about the match against the Blues tomorrow. Sheridan talking about the fact that the Latics haven't got as many points on the board as they have deserved so far this season :


"We know it's going to be a tough game on Sunday. Carlisle have won a lot of games over the last two years, and that gives the team confidence. However, with the position we're in at the moment, it's vital we get the three points.

"I feel we could have won every game we've played so far, and on the whole I'm not disappointed with the way we're playing. If the lads keep responding and putting in the hard work, then I think results will come our way. I hope everyone will continue to get behind us, and that they see what we're trying to do."

On his new loan goalkeeping signing, David Knight from Middlesbrough, and the return of Paul Murray, Sheridan commented :

"I spoke to a couple of people about him, and he came highly recommended. He's only a young lad, and hopefully this will be good experience for him. Paul's a good player, but hopefully he'll be a bad player on Sunday. He's got great affection for the club, and I'll have a drink with him after the game, but I'm concentrating on my lads, and what we're going to be doing."


For Oldham 22-year old frontman Chris Porter is likely to be on the bench tomorrow after beating the knee injury that has dogged him since the end of last season, Porter having come through a practice game earlier this week. Experienced defender Simon Charlton is hoping to recover from a knee problem in time to play, but young striker Matty Wolfenden and midfielder Chris Hall are definitely out, as are goalkeepers Chris Howarth and Les Pogliacomi.

Goalkeeper David Knight, signed on loan this week from Middlesbrough will make his debut in place of Howarth, with youngster Terry Smith on the bench as his back-up due to the keeper crisis at the club. Knight will be the fourth different Latics goalkeeper to be used already this season, and joins fellow loanee, in striker Lewis Grabban from Crystal Palace, in the Latics starting line-up.

Three Blues have experience of Boundary Park, Paul Murray and Neil McDonald having played there on a permanent basis, while Keiren Westwood spent time there on loan from Manchester City. Murray will be the most fondly remembered of the three as his last season at Oldham saw him appointed captain by then caretaker manager John Sheridan, Muzza scoring 15 times in 105 league and cup games for the Latics. Both Murray and Westwood will no doubt feature from the start tomorrow as Blues boss McDonald has the luxury of an almost full squad to choose from, with only Neale McDermott missing after the young midfielder picked up an ankle injury in the midweek Carling Cup win over Bradford City.