Micky Mellon Praises Oldham-Rochdale Derby as a Thrilling Rivalry

Micky Mellon, the manager of Oldham Athletic, has hailed the upcoming derby against Rochdale as a ‘cracking’ fixture, emphasising the intense rivalry between the two neighbouring clubs. This match marks the fifth meeting between the teams since Mellon took charge of Oldham, with the first encounter being a thrilling seven-goal match on October 21, 2023, which Oldham won.

Reflecting on the derby, Mellon stated that he was initially unaware of its significance before joining Oldham. However, he quickly realised the importance of the fixture during his first game in charge, which showcased the competitive spirit and passion of both sets of supporters. He noted, "It had a lovely bit of spice about it... I want it to be all about football."

Mellon expressed his excitement for the upcoming match, indicating that he looks forward to experiencing the atmosphere and competition that the derby brings. He believes that such rivalries are special in football and hopes to contribute positively to the event.

The derby is expected to attract a significant turnout, with around 2,000 Oldham supporters anticipated to travel for the clash. As both teams prepare for the match, local fans are eager to see how the rivalry unfolds on the pitch.