Oldham Matchday Programme by ForestGreenRovers

Will 10 Minutes with Merrett

Rackingup60appearancesouton loanthisseason,whilestudyingat HartpuryUniversity–gettoknow youngdefenderWillMerrett.

How has this season gone for you combining a loan spell with Hartpury studies?

This season has been a challenge but one that I have welcomed. Time management has been a big factor of my season between studies and on the pitch performance. As I studied at a level as a scholar, I found the transition of playing football and the degree manageable.

I try to be consistent each day, taking time on my body including diet sleep and recovery which helps with my performances, allowing me to play in over 60 games this season.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve taken out of this season?

Resilience after setbacks. Football is a game of constant moving parts. Not everything will go as planned but staying on the right track and being disciplined is important.

I’ve been setting longer-term goals and targets –this means I remain focussed rather than dwelling on setbacks in the past.

Favourite moment in football so far?

Probably putting pen to paper on my professional contract - I had worked so hard

for it, so the feeling was incredibly rewarding.

Best player you’ve played with or against?

With - I can only really comment for players I have grown up with so I would say Jose Marquez – I’ve been playing with him since I was 13! He’ll also be buzzing that he’s got a mention!

Against - Ethan Ennis (Man Utd), he didn’t have lots of the ball but his movement was superb and took his chance well when it came to him

Who is your footballing hero?

Wayne Rooney – he worked for the team, beautiful to watch and a leader too.

Do you have any hobbies outside of football?

I love most sports. I've grown up with them. Golf and cricket are big in the off season when the weather is better but love watching anything sport related.

What are any great place(s) you’ve visited?

Went on tour as a scholar with FGR to France/ Spain. Barcelona and Seville were top tier, made better by the company definitely!

What job would you have if you weren’t a footballer?

Would've tried my luck at another sportcricketer or rugby player would be up there.

Favourite TV series/film?

The Last Dance (series), Revenant (film) What song goes on your Matchday playlist?

Still not a player - Big Pun

WeAre FGR

Opposition The

It’s a final home game of the season for Forest Green Rovers as we welcome Oldham Athletic to The New Lawn for the first time since 2022.

Oldham last visited Nailsworth just over two years ago when Rovers ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Regan Hendry and Jamille Matt, pushing Rovers closer to the League Two title.

It was not to be for Rovers when we visited Greater Manchester back in September as a ninth minute Mike Fondop-Talum volley saw the Latics to a 1-0 victory.

During the season, they have been battling at the top of the National League occupying a play-off position for the majority of the campaign.

Heading into this clash, Oldham sit fourth and have all but sealed a playoff position sitting six points clear of eight with two games left to play.

But form hasn’t been on the Latics side who have won just one of their last five games in the league – a point at fellow promotion chasers York City represents an imporant point, however.

Oldham’s away form has been a little patchy having not won on the road since the beginning of February when they defeated Solihull Moors 1-0 thanks to a Billy Waters goal.

Manager, Micky Mellon, will be hoping to put an end to that run as he oversees 78th game for the club on Saturday.

Mellon took charge at Boundary Park in 2023 and will be aiming to take the Latics back into the Football League.

One player that Rovers fans should watch out for is striker Fondop-Talum who has

Established

Pine Villa was formed in 1895 but four years later it ceased to exist. There were no tears because the name was changed and the birth of Oldham Athletic came about. Latics enjoyed success in the early years finishing runners-up in the First Division (the equivalent of today's Premier League) in 1914/15 having earlier reached the FA Cup semi-final in 1913.

Crest

The new crest is a modern take on an old classic to acknowledge a proud history.

Created from the simplicity of the badge in the 1960 & 70s. The owl, perched over the ball, is iconic and has been with the club ever since it rose through the divisions during that time.

Stadium

Boundary Park was originally known as the Athletic Ground when it was opened in 1896 for Oldham's first professional football club, Oldham County F.C.. When County folded in 1899, Pine Villa F.C. took over the ground and changed their name to Oldham Athletic.

FOOTBALL IS A GAME FOR ALL

ABOUT US

Her Game Too is a voluntary non-profit organisation, led by passionate female football fans, aiming to promote gender inclusivity in football and eradicate sexism. We strongly believe football is a game for all, and are working closely with football clubs to ensure women are safe and welcome in the game.

Our survey results found that 92.3% of women had experienced sexism online targeted towards a woman in football. 58% said they had experienced sexism in person at a game or in a pub. We want women and girls of all ages to feel confident playing, supporting and working in football without fear of discrimination.

OUR AIMS TO REPORT

RAISE AWARENESS AND EDUCATE PEOPLE TO THE SEXISM WHICH IS PREVALENT IN FOOTBALL.

PROMOTE VISIBILITY OF WOMEN IN THE GAME (PLAYERS, STAFF, FANS, COACHES AND OFFICIALS).

DEVELOP STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONAL, SEMI PROFESSIONAL AND GRASSROOTS CLUBS, TRUSTS AND FOOTBALL COMMUNITIES CREATE A SAFE AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR WOMEN & GIRLS AT STADIUMS AND GRASSROOTS FACILITIES.

WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST GENDER DISCRIMINATION, BOTH IN PERSON AND ONLINE.

VOLUNTEER: www.hergametoo.co.uk/

We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are against discrimination in all its forms.

If you experience or witness anything that concerns you please contact your nearest steward, or email safeguarding@fgr.co.uk.