Preston North End boss Simon Grayson is expecting Oldham to keep to their methods when the sides come up against each other on Saturday afternoon.
It’s been well documented that many teams will come to Deepdale this term and look to frustrate the Lilywhites’ on their own patch, with North End’s reputation as being one of the stronger teams in the division being the detriment to them at times.
However, since Lee Johnson took over the Oldham hot-seat in March 2013, the Latics have gained many plaudits for their style of play and Grayson is predicting they’ll be no change to their ways come Saturday.
“I think their philosophy will be the same,” said Grayson speaking ahead of North End’s second game at Deepdale this season.
“They’ll look to pass the ball around and cause problems and looking at their team now they’ve got some good experience.
“They’ve signed George Elokobi from Wolves and Jonathan Forte’s also been around quite a bit as well so again it’s going to be another test for us but we’re confident in our own ability that we can go and win the game.”
At 33-years-old, his opposite number in the dug-out this weekend is still one of the youngest managers in the football league, and Grayson has admitted his surprise when the former Bristol City man decided to hang up his boots so soon.
“It’s nice to come up against someone younger than me for a change!” joked Grayson.
“Before he took the job at Oldham, he wanted to come and do some training just to keep fit, so I was very surprised a few days later that he’d got the manager’s job – I told him he still had a few years left in him to play!”
“But it seems that management is in his blood with his dad (Gary Johnson) at Yeovil so he’s obviously picked up a few tips from him and he’s done a good job.
“Just starting out as a manager is a real learning curve for sure, but even when you’ve been a manger for 9/10 years, you’re still learning and testing yourself.
“Once you think you’ve made it you come unstuck so Lee’s got the experience of his dad but he’s still got some good staff around him.
“I’m sure he’ll be the first to admit that last year was a big step in his first full season and I’m sure he’ll keep progressing and hopefully he has a decent season after this weekend.”
However, since Lee Johnson took over the Oldham hot-seat in March 2013, the Latics have gained many plaudits for their style of play and Grayson is predicting they’ll be no change to their ways come Saturday.
“I think their philosophy will be the same,” said Grayson speaking ahead of North End’s second game at Deepdale this season.
“They’ll look to pass the ball around and cause problems and looking at their team now they’ve got some good experience.
“They’ve signed George Elokobi from Wolves and Jonathan Forte’s also been around quite a bit as well so again it’s going to be another test for us but we’re confident in our own ability that we can go and win the game.”
At 33-years-old, his opposite number in the dug-out this weekend is still one of the youngest managers in the football league, and Grayson has admitted his surprise when the former Bristol City man decided to hang up his boots so soon.
“It’s nice to come up against someone younger than me for a change!” joked Grayson.
“Before he took the job at Oldham, he wanted to come and do some training just to keep fit, so I was very surprised a few days later that he’d got the manager’s job – I told him he still had a few years left in him to play!”
“But it seems that management is in his blood with his dad (Gary Johnson) at Yeovil so he’s obviously picked up a few tips from him and he’s done a good job.
“Just starting out as a manager is a real learning curve for sure, but even when you’ve been a manger for 9/10 years, you’re still learning and testing yourself.
“Once you think you’ve made it you come unstuck so Lee’s got the experience of his dad but he’s still got some good staff around him.
“I’m sure he’ll be the first to admit that last year was a big step in his first full season and I’m sure he’ll keep progressing and hopefully he has a decent season after this weekend.”