The Latics boss said his side needed “an overhaul” after a lacklustre goalless draw at already-relegated Oxford City all but ended any play-off hopes this season.
Despite a nine-game winless run Oldham are still, remarkably, not entirely out of the running going into their penultimate game of the campaign – the twice re-arranged game against Halifax Town, which will now be played at Chesterfield tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) after the pitch at the Shay Stadium was deemed unplayable.
But Mellon said he was left deflated by their latest missed opportunity to gain ground on the top seven against part-time opponents at the weekend, and said change is needed.
“There’s a saying you either change the player or you change the player, so you change them by making them better or you change them by bringing in better. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
“It’s likely that we’ve reached the point where we’re declaring that certain people need to change. I’m not sure how simple it will be because when I came here, several players were two months into two-year contracts. Even though it’s not finished yet, by Saturday I feel so defeated. I’m over it. I see the same things over and over.”
Mellon said, “We meet every two weeks so they’ve known my feelings since board meeting one,” indicating that the board was fully aware of his attitude. Eventually, we must undoubtedly take a seat and ask ourselves, “Well, what can we do? Since, let’s face it, something has to be done, let’s see what we can do.
Our hands are tied in a lot of ways, but we’ll see what we can accomplish.
“I adore my work, this football team, and the challenges it presents. I’m aware of what excellence looks like, and I’m always looking for more. Unfortunately, Saturday was just another example of one of those occasions when we failed to demonstrate the necessary level of quality, spark, fire, or character to move us up the ladder.
“This time of year reveals a lot about people. At this point, you take a peek and decide, “Okay, so it’s all on now, what have you got?” You have a lot of knowledge and faith in your eyes.”
Following a goalless draw with a side that will play in the National League South the following season, Mellon
“I won’t lie, it’s been really, really difficult. It’s been challenging at times as we’ve struggled and fought to make the most of what we have.
“It’s an amazing club run by the most amazing folks you’ll ever meet.
That’s why it’s so challenging and hurts so much more. Our fan base is great and hasn’t experienced success in maybe 25 years, so they are desperate for any sort of acknowledgement. I can therefore relate to the football team’s frustration.
“I know where to go to get what I need if I need it.”
“However, since many of the contracts we have here are halfway through, there isn’t much opportunity for flexibility, therefore many painful talks must be done. We should take a seat and assess the situation. However, I’m feeling a little worn out and furious about it.
“It’s been a teeth grinder and a toe curler for a while now, and it’s deflating.”
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