Frustration in the fanbase is growing, underwhelming performances (apart from the second game of the season) and even worse results have split the fanbase into two sections, those who are Unsworth In and those who are Unsworth Out.
Below I take a look at 5 managers who would drive success out of a very good squad, different styles and different situations have been considered,
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Mike Williamson
This suggestion is based on playing style alone, Heading the 'heed is Williamson's first role as a coach so the experience is not there to be judged upon. Fast, dynamic and transitional his slick Gateshead team are a delight to watch their hard work off the ball and evident drilled passing movements on it create a spectacle of dominance with abundant entertainment.
His way of playing is almost as impressive as the motivation and resilience that oozes from his squad. With a small cohort he inherited last season when he took over he managed to create moments and special results. Williamson is under contract at Gateshead so would require a fee to lure him to the Latics.
Photography by Serena Taylor
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Phil Parkinson
Parkinson has been the manager of Altrincham since 2017 taking over after they had been relegated to the Northern Premier League (two divisions below the Vanarama National League) and swiftly transformed them from relegation-threatened to promotion challengers. In his first season his side was promoted as champions and 2 years later were in the National League North play-offs when Alty were promoted to the National League.
An exciting play style utilising maverick players mixed with a hard-working team is how he sets up his XIs on matchday. With his contract running out in 2025 after recently extending, his appointment would once again come with a fee.
Photography by George Wood
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Danny Cowley
Cowley is no stranger to this level and no stranger to getting teams into the football league. He has a lot of experience having managed 754 games with a win percentage of 50.3% he knows how to get 3 points. Recent stints in the EFL haven't quite worked out for him but that does not mean he would not be a serious statement of intent from the board.
Some could say his football is outdated but no one can argue with his results and his skills off the pitch to enhance player performance and get players on board with his vision could seriously get our season heading in the right direction finally.
Photography by Alex Morton
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David Artell
Another appointment that would be a sign of intent is David Artell, former gaffer at Crewe Alexandra achieving promotion in 2020 whilst also earning himself League Two Manager of the Season. His playstyle seems slightly do-or-die with only 51 of his managerial games ending in a stalemate which on paper shows a sign of attack is the best form of defense.
Managing to bring Artell to Oldham would possibly come at a cost in terms of wage demands but as he is currently out of work there is no compensation required to make it happen.
Photography by Rachel Holborn
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Kevin Maher
Last but certainly not least is the current Southend United manager Kevin Maher. Squeezing points out of an embargo-ridden, under-trained squad who spent a lot of pre-season on strike is definitely some feat. After witnessing the power of his tactics on the opening day his squad of 15 fit professionals cast us aside with clinical and precise finishes.
A gritty resilient team with flashes of brilliance and flair headed by a marksman is how he likes to set up and a style of play I think that Latics fans could try and get behind. Of course, however, he is under contract with The Shrimpers so compensation would have to be agreed.
Photography by Jacques Feeney
Overall, I feel that any of these appointments could improve the club's chances of competing at the right end of the table. I do feel however that David Unsworth should be backed throughout his time at the club to allow an opportunity for success.
All of these suggestions are purely that and should not be taken as serious claims that one of these 5 managers will take over.
