OLD PALS ACT HAS THE LATICS FIRING
PETER Clarke first met Richie Wellens when he played on loan at Blackpool 15 years ago – now he’s being managed by him!
The Oldham skipper was just 20 and joined the Seasiders for a three-month spell from Everton.
He played alongside a similarly inexperienced Wellens, a former Manchester United trainee who had just helped Blackpool win the Football League Trophy.
The pair have come a long way since, but their relationship now has an altogether different dynamic.
After a lengthy wait following the departure of manager John Sheridan in September, Wellens, who had impressed as caretaker boss, was given the job full-time and defender Clarke now finds himself playing for his old pal.
Respect
“We used to room together at Blackpool when we were younger. We were both very determined to prove a point and succeed that season,” the 35-yearold recalls.
“It’s a little bit strange. He’s been a team-mate down the years and is a friend. He has commanded a respect from everyone straight away at Oldham.
“When he was a player, you could sense that he could be a very good manager.
“He’s got the best out of people. He’s a very positive person and he gives confidence to others.”
The Latics languished at the bottom of League One after losing their first five games, a run of form which contributed to Sheridan’s tenure as Oldham manager coming to an end.
“It’s never nice to see a manager go, but in football we become less and less surprised by things,” said Clarke. “I’m one of the senior players and you have to make sure everyone remains professional in that time and works as hard as possible.
“We weren’t chuffed to see Sheds go, but as one door closes another opens. It gave Richie an opportunity and, since he’s come in, he’s been terrific,” said the former Huddersfield, Southend and Blackpool man. “When a manager is appointed, there’s – rightly or wrongly – an immediate lift in 90 per cent of players. Richie has come in and given people confidence and a freedom to their play.”
As Oldham’s form has improved under Wellens, Clarke, a regular scorer from the heart of defence, had netted twice in the space of three games.
Next January will bring up 17 years since he made his professional debut for Everton in a 3-1 victory at Coventry in the Premier League.
The defender says giving up dairy products and red meat has helped keep his appetite for the game as ravenous as ever.
Clarke said: “Physically, I feel in really good nick. There’s life in the old dog yet.”