Mike Fondop has scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Oldham Athletic this season Oldham Athletic's 116-year stay in the English Football League ended in ignominy in 2022. The Latics picked up the unenviable record of becoming the first former Premier League club to drop out of the top four tiers of English football. Three years on from that chastening relegation, one man who has seen the club at its lowest ebb has set about leading the charge back to league football. BBC Radio Manchester spoke to striker Mike Fondop about how he has motivated himself to lead Oldham to glory in Sunday's National League promotion final against Southend United at Wembley. The 31-year-old arrived at the club during Oldham's ill-fated 2022 season but injuries restricted him to just two appearances. Despite the club losing its EFL status, Fondop stuck with the club and has scored 37 goals in 113 National League appearances since. But what encouraged him to stay at Boundary Park? "The manager at the time, John Sheridan, called me after the end of the season and said 'I need you to come back. You owe me because I signed you and you only played two games. I want you to get this club back where it belongs'," Fondop said. "So that has always been an objective because I came and I didn't have a chance to help them stay in League Two. "The club doesn't belong in League Two, they belong higher than that but it is a step by step process." Between their relegation from League Two and the start of the following 2022-23 National League season, a takeover of the Latics by local businessman Frank Rothwell was completed. That ended Abdallah Lemsagam's tenure in control of the club and Fondop said that the difference between then and now is stark. "The club is absolutely different now. The ownership now is more family orientated. The owners are approachable and want everyone to feel part of a family," he added. "In the past it felt toxic. As a player I was focused on what I was signed to do but the environment at the time felt toxic. Now it is so different. "If a club doesn't treat its players well you might think in the long run you can get away with it, you might for a period of time, but eventually it is going to affect results. Now the treatment is completely different." Fondop scored in the win against Halifax to set up their victorious semi-final against York City Oldham are not a club which have had much to celebrate in recent decades, having floated around the lower leagues of English football both before and after the turn of the millennium - having spent 21 years in the third tier prior to relegation to League Two in 2018. Their most recent promotion came in 1991 when they won the then Division Two second-tier championship. Their recent record makes for grim reading. Their first season in the National League saw them finish 12th and was the first time they had finished in the top half of a division since 2009. Fondop said a team talk from boss Micky Mellon about how long it had been since the club had won promotion helped motivate him ahead of the trip to the capital. "It has been 34 years since we experienced promotion. I'm 31 so last time they won promotion I wasn't even born," Fondop added. "After the gaffer said that I went home and wrote down 34 years in bold on a piece of paper with my goals for the season and I put it on my kitchen wall. It's always in my mind. "It's in my head every day because I want to be part of history and I want the fans to get back into the feeling of what Oldham deserves. It means more than people might think. It's in my kitchen until today and I'm not going to remove it until it is done." As for how he plans to ease his nerves ahead of running out at Wembley, Fondop has an eclectic and varied music taste. "On gamedays I listen to gospel and that is what calms me," he said. "I love Andrea Bocelli, Time to Say Goodbye is one of my favourites. "I love jazz music as well, I don't have one specific type of song, I love a bit of everything. Usually in my downtime I can listen to opera and jazz. I don't like listening to things that give me headaches."
Premier League to non-league - now Oldham are win away from EFL return
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Oldham Athletic Aims for EFL Return in National League Promotion Final"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Oldham Athletic, a club with a rich history in English football, faced a significant downturn when they were relegated from the English Football League (EFL) in 2022, marking the first time a former Premier League team dropped out of the top four tiers. Following this disappointing exit, striker Mike Fondop emerged as a pivotal figure in the club's quest for redemption. Having joined Oldham during their troubled 2022 season, Fondop's initial impact was limited due to injuries, but he has since become a key player, scoring 37 goals in 113 appearances in the National League. His commitment to the club has been unwavering, fueled by a personal promise made to the former manager, John Sheridan, to help restore Oldham Athletic to its rightful place in the higher echelons of English football. Fondop's passion for the club is evident, as he believes that Oldham deserves to compete at a higher level, and he is determined to achieve this goal, one step at a time.
The club's fortunes began to change with a new ownership under local businessman Frank Rothwell, which has fostered a more supportive and familial atmosphere compared to the previous regime. Fondop noted the stark contrast in the club's environment, highlighting how improved treatment of players is crucial for overall performance. As Oldham approaches the National League promotion final against Southend United, Fondop's motivation is palpable. He has made it a personal mission to end the club's 34-year wait for promotion, a goal he has visualized by writing it down and displaying it prominently in his home. As he prepares for the high-stakes match at Wembley, Fondop finds solace in music, particularly gospel and jazz, which help calm his nerves. With the combination of personal dedication and the revitalized spirit of the club, Fondop and Oldham Athletic are on the brink of potentially reclaiming their place in the EFL, a significant milestone in their storied history.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article outlines Oldham Athletic's journey from the depths of relegation to the brink of promotion back into the English Football League. It highlights the significant role of striker Mike Fondop, who has been instrumental in the team's efforts to reclaim its former status. The narrative emphasizes both the personal commitment of Fondop and the recent changes in the club's management, which have fostered a more positive environment.
Purpose Behind the Article
The primary aim of this news piece is to inspire and uplift the club's supporters by showcasing the resilience of both the players and the new management. By focusing on Fondop's dedication and the positive transformation within the club, the article seeks to rekindle hope among fans who have faced disappointment since the club's relegation. This narrative can serve to unite the community around a common goal as they approach a crucial match.
Public Perception
The article is likely to create a sense of optimism and excitement among Oldham Athletic's fan base. It portrays the club as being on the verge of a significant achievement, which can bolster community spirit and engagement. Such narratives can also foster a sense of loyalty and pride among local supporters, enhancing their emotional investment in the club's future.
Omissions and Bias
While the article paints a positive picture of the club's current trajectory, it may downplay the challenges that still lie ahead. The focus on Fondop and positive management changes could obscure ongoing issues or the implications of past mismanagement. There may be underlying concerns about the club's financial stability or player performance that are not addressed in the article.
Manipulative Aspects
The article employs emotionally charged language and personal stories to create a narrative of hope and redemption. Such storytelling techniques can be seen as manipulative if they gloss over the complexities of the situation. By focusing heavily on Fondop's narrative, the article may risk oversimplifying the broader context of the club's challenges.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other sports news, this article aligns with a common trend of highlighting personal stories in sports to engage readers. Similar articles often emphasize player journeys and management changes as a means to galvanize support, suggesting that there is a pattern in how sports narratives are constructed to resonate with fans.
Broader Implications
The success of Oldham Athletic in regaining league status could have economic repercussions, potentially increasing local business revenues and enhancing the club's marketability. Success on the field can lead to increased ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship opportunities, which are crucial for the club's financial health.
Support Base
This narrative is likely to resonate most with the club's supporters, former fans, and local community members who value the historical significance of Oldham Athletic. It targets those who yearn for a return to the club's glory days and seek a sense of community and belonging through sports.
Market Impact
In the context of financial markets, news related to football clubs can influence investor sentiment, especially for those with connections to sports management or local sponsorships. However, the direct impact on stock prices may be limited unless it involves publicly traded entities.
Geopolitical Context
While the article does not directly address geopolitical issues, the narrative of sporting resilience can be connected to broader themes of community strength and recovery in a post-pandemic world. The focus on local clubs can reflect a growing desire for community ties in a globalized society.
Potential AI Involvement
There are no clear indicators that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, AI models could assist in data analysis or trend prediction within sports journalism, though the emotional nuances in Fondop's story suggest a human touch in the narrative.
Trustworthiness Assessment
This article can be considered reliable, as it is based on firsthand accounts and interviews. However, it should be read with an understanding of the broader context of Oldham Athletic's challenges and the complexities of sports management.