These are dark days at Oldham Athletic, the side is marooned in the middle of the League Two table after spending what seems like an eternity in the third tier.

Having recently sacked manager Frankie Bunn, they're looking to the future. There's hope they can break into the top six, but with the division as tough this season as it's ever been they have a huge job on their hands.

 

Ishmael Miller has today left the club and the George Edmundson is one who has attracted the attention of scouts recently, but caretaker manager Pete Wild won't be looking to weaken his offering.

They might be limited as to what they can do in the market, but we've selected six players, realistic targets we think could help them battle their way out of the division.

Sheaf has experience of League Two having been on loan at Stevenage and he seems to be the sort of player that could add solidity to the Oldham midfield.

He's young and would be a loan signing, but they've done well out of Sam Surridge and could give the Arsenal man regular football.

26-year-old Gladon is the forgotten man of Wolves, a player who is likely to disappear from view unless he gets a move soon.

He's not impressed at all in England, but there's enough to suggest the right level of football could bring success.

With Miller on his way out, Oldham will want a centre-forward in and Gladon would be a wildcard.

The former Aston Villa player would be another to come out of nowhere, but at 28 he might be another who could surprise fans at Boundary Park.

He's been plying his trade in Belgium with KV Mechelen, but would be a big acquisition for the Latics.

He might fancy another chance at proving himself in England too.

Hawkridge looks set to leave Notts County this window, with National league clubs interested, but his wing play and tenacity would be suited to Oldham in the short term.

They need players who are up for a fight and Hawkridge is a battler. Whilst he doesn't represent the sort of player to take your breath away, he's an honest pro who will run through walls when asked.

Another player who might be a wise signing is Calvin Andrew, the Rochdale striker.

Andrew isn't getting game time at Spotland, but he would be the perfect Miller replacement. He's a target man, capable of holding the ball up and grabbing a goal or two himself.

Kanu has just returned to Peterborough from Port Vale without impressing, but it's been a lack of game time as much as anything.

The 19-year-old is a talented footballer and just because one League two move didn't work out, doesn't mean another won't.

His energy and vibrancy would be a useful asset in the coming weeks.