OLDHAM managing director Mike Ford believes patience over recruitment will pay off as the ambitious club wait to find out what division they will operate in next year.

With 13 players departing Boundary Park, there will be a new look to coach Sean Long’s roster.

Former Oldham player and coach Ford, part of a takeover of the club in March 2023, says talks have taken place with a number of potential signings.

But not until next Thursday, October 16, when Oldham will find out whether their top-flight application has been successful or they will feature in the new merged lower tier, will contracts start to be signed.

“Recruitment and getting better never stops,” said Ford following an encouraging fourth-placed Championship finish – but a disappointing play-off eliminator defeat at home to Halifax – after Long’s side won promotion as League One champions in 2024.

“We would like to thank all the (departing) lads who have served us, mostly for two seasons. They have done the job by helping get us into the Championship, then to fourth.

“I can honestly say I don’t think any of players who are leaving were shocked. We are constantly talking to players as we go along so there was nothing unexpected – we all knew where we were.

“We have to get better, but with the Super League bid put in, we have paused recruitment until we know which league we are in.

“It is a bit of a risk, but calculated, and we are confident that once we know the league we are in, we can start putting the final stages to the squad.

“From a football point of view, we can go even better next year, whatever league we are in.”

Chairman Bill Quinn believes joining Oldham is a now attractive prospect for any potential recruit.

He told the club’s YouTube channel Roughyeds TV: “Look at where we have come as a club in two-and-a-half years.

“The management structure of the club has totally changed, look at the people we are employing, the pathways, the women’s team, the education side of it, the facilities at Netpar (the club’s own training centre).

“Everything we have done you can’t help but think to yourself ‘wow’. We won’t go backwards, we will go forwards.”

Quinn continued: “If we don’t get in this year, there is a good chance next year and if not next year, then the year after, without a shadow of a doubt.

“It is not now or never, and I don’t see it as the door being shut. I think they will leave it slightly ajar, and you have to push it maybe a bit harder to get in.

“That doesn’t faze us. We have started with nothing and we will keep going until we kick the door in.”