Oldham Athletic AFC vs Gillingham - New Oldham manager John Sheridan sweating on Lee Croft's fitness

Posted Friday, January 13, 2017 by PA

John Sheridan begins his third spell as permanent Oldham manager with a Sky Bet League One encounter against Gillingham at SportsDirect.com Park.

The struggling Latics have turned to Sheridan, as they did in 2006 and 2016, having sacked Northern Irishman Stephen Robinson this week with the club propping up the division.

Veteran midfielder Lee Croft is a concern for Sheridan having been forced off at Mansfield in midweek with a hamstring strain, while Carl Winchester sealed a move to Cheltenham shortly after Robinson's exit.

Before departing Robinson had also confirmed that defender Charles Dunne, who has been out since Boxing Day with a pelvic injury, will be unable to feature even if fit because he cannot extend his short-term deal under the terms of the transfer embargo Latics are currently under.

New Gillingham head coach Adrian Pennock must do without suspended on-loan Cardiff defender defender Adedeji Oshilaja for his first match in charge.

Midfielder Bradley Dack and defender Paul Konchesky are both available again having served a ban for the Gills' last match under former boss Justin Edinburgh, while Billy Knott (hamstring) and Chris Herd (ankle) are expected to be back in contention.

Centre-half Baily Cargill has returned to Bournemouth following the expiry of his loan deal, goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who had a groin injury, has gone back to Reading, and striker Frank Nouble has left after his short-term contract ended.

Defender Bradley Garmston (hamstring), midfielder Lee Martin (ankle) and defender Aaron Morris (knee) all continue their rehabilitation from injury.