In this series, we look at the new teams entering League Two for the 2025-26 season. Today, the spotlight falls on Oldham Athletic, back in the EFL after securing promotion via the National League play-offs.
The Latics, managed by the experienced Micky Mellon, battled their way through a fiercely competitive play-off campaign, capping their return to League Two with a dramatic final victory over Southend United.
After three challenging years in the National League, Oldham are back where they believe they belong and will be looking to re-establish themselves in the Football League.
Here’s everything you need to know about Oldham ahead of the big kick-off on August 2.
A Brief History
Founded in 1895, Oldham Athletic boast a long and storied history in English football. The club were founder members of the Premier League in 1992 and spent much of the late 20th century competing in the top two tiers.
Under Joe Royle in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Oldham enjoyed their most successful period in modern times, reaching the League Cup Final in 1990 and making two FA Cup semi-final appearances.
The club’s decline began in the mid-1990s, leading to a gradual slide down the divisions before their eventual relegation from League Two in 2022 — becoming the first former Premier League club to drop into non-league.
After three difficult seasons in the National League, including ownership changes and multiple rebuilds, Oldham finally found stability and momentum under Micky Mellon, earning their place back in the EFL for the 2025-26 season.
Who’s the Boss?
Micky Mellon brings a wealth of Football League experience to Boundary Park. Appointed in 2023, he oversaw a strong second half of the season, guiding Oldham to a 10th-place finish in his first campaign before expertly leading the Latics through the play-offs the following year to secure promotion.
Mellon, who has previously achieved promotions with both Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood Town, is renowned for building well-organised, hard-to-beat teams that combine defensive discipline with quick, direct attacking play.
His calm leadership and proven track record at this level will be crucial as Oldham aim to re-establish themselves in League Two and build long-term stability after several challenging years.
Key Players
Oldham’s promotion push was fuelled by a blend of physicality, experience, and attacking quality.
At the top end of the pitch, Mike Fondop-Talom played a pivotal role with his powerful, all-action style. Fondop-Talom’s goals and tireless work rate made him a key figure in Oldham's success, with the striker netting 18 goals across the campaign. A constant threat and a real handful for defenders, he will be central to Oldham’s attacking ambitions in League Two.
At the heart of defence, Charlie Raglan provided vital stability and leadership. The former Cheltenham Town centre-back was a commanding presence throughout the play-offs and will be a cornerstone of the Latics’ back line moving into League Two.
On the flanks, Jake Caprice and Mark Kitching offer pace, energy, and experience. Caprice, known for his attacking runs from right-back, will be crucial in providing width, while Kitching’s versatility and work rate down the left give Oldham balance on both sides.
The Stadium
Oldham play their home games at Boundary Park, one of the Football League’s most traditional grounds. Located in Greater Manchester, the stadium has a capacity of just over 13,500 and is well-known for its exposed position, often earning a reputation as one of the coldest grounds in England.
Despite challenges in recent years, Boundary Park remains a proud home for the Latics. With the club’s return to the EFL, home attendances are expected to rise, bringing renewed energy and optimism to a ground that has seen both Premier League nights and non-league battles.
Head-to-Head Record
Newport County and Oldham Athletic have shared some tightly contested battles in League Two prior to Oldham’s relegation in 2022.
Across their eight league meetings between 2018 and 2022, County recorded three wins, Oldham secured four victories, and one match ended in a draw — reflecting a fairly even head-to-head record.
The last time the two sides met in the league was in February 2022 at Rodney Parade, where they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Newport salvaging a point thanks to a late equaliser from Micky Demetriou.
Last Time Out
The most recent meeting between Newport County and Oldham Athletic came during the 2023-24 season as part of County’s memorable FA Cup run, which would go on to feature a fourth round tie against Manchester United.
Newport hosted Oldham in the first round and delivered a composed, professional performance, securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of a brace from Shane McLoughlin.
Much has changed since that encounter. As Oldham prepare to return to Rodney Parade as a League Two side, both clubs will be looking to write the next chapter in what has become an increasingly competitive fixture in recent years.
Re-watch our last encounter with Oldham HERE.
As Oldham prepare for life back in League Two, they’ll join fellow new arrivals Barnet FC in aiming to make their mark on the division. You can read our full profile on Barnet FC here to catch up on the other side stepping up this season.