Experienced players key to Oldham's season - Dickov
Last updated on .From the section Football
Oldham manager Paul Dickov believes the experienced members of his squad will by key to their season.
The 38-year-old was speaking following the 2-1 win over MK Dons, which moves the Latics up to 12th in League One.
"Towards the end of last season and through the summer we wanted to get players of the ilk of Zander Diamond, Nathan Clarke and Shefki Kuqi.
"It's really important as we're a young team and a naive team at times," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
The former Scotland striker guided Oldham to 17th in his first full season in charge at Boundary Park, but has focused this summer's recruitment on players with Football League familiarity.
Kuqi, 34, has played over 400 games during stints at 14 clubs, whilst Diamond, 26, and Clarke, 27, have played over 500 games between them.
Dickov says their influence extends beyond just during the matches.
"When they train they do things right and set an example to the young kids," he added.
"Zander and Clarkey are always talking, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well."
The game also saw the return of club captain Dean Furman, who has been out of action since the second game of the season after picking up a knee injury.
"A big positive was Dean Furman coming back tonight as well," Dickov stated.
"He's my captain, my leader and the more leaders you have in the team the better.
"I'm delighted with the squad we've got, the players coming back fit just make it stronger."
