Micky Mellon has confirmed that Michael Mellon will not be returning to Oldham Athletic after his loan spell at Boundary Park last season. The announcement came during the club’s recent fans forum, where the manager also gave an update on transfer plans and a significant injury setback.
Michael Mellon not part of transfer plans
The striker, who scored 10 goals in 18 appearances while on loan from Burnley, saw his campaign curtailed by a hamstring problem. Mellon’s return to the club is off the table this summer because the current budget does not allow for a deal, the manager said. Despite that, the manager expressed optimism that the club can recruit players of similar quality if Oldham continue on their present course.
Transfers and squad building
So far this summer the Latics have added nine new faces, including the season-long loan signing of Fortune Fawunmi from Stoke City. The boss indicated he expects "another couple" of signings before the transfer activity winds down and had hoped to confirm one before Saturday’s friendly against Sheffield Wednesday. That move now looks more likely to be announced next week.
- Michael Mellon: 10 goals in 18 appearances on loan
- New recruits so far: 9 players (including Fortune Fawunmi, loan)
- Expected additional signings: a couple more, per the manager
Winger Stevens facing lengthy lay-off
The manager also provided a health update on Jack Stevens, who was stretchered off during the narrow defeat to League One side Stockport County. The 25-year-old — who contributed six goals and four assists in the league last season as Oldham secured a top-10 finish — is set for a lengthy spell out of the side.
| Player | Last season | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Mellon | 10 goals in 18 games | Will not return (budget constraints) |
| Jack Stevens | 6 goals, 4 assists | Long-term injury (stretchered off v Stockport) |
Supporters will be monitoring the transfer window closely after the boss’s frank assessment. The club’s summer activity shows clear intent to refresh the squad, but the absence of Michael Mellon and the loss of Stevens for an extended period present challenges that the manager must address before the season gets under way.
Further announcements are expected in the coming days as the Latics look to complete their business and settle the squad ahead of pre-season fixtures.
