ECHOSPORT talks to Oldham Athletic fan Kieran Chambers ahead of Saturday's match with Southend United at Boundary Park.

Oldham are currently ninth in the table. What have you made of the start to the season?

"I think we’ve been pretty good to start the season, and I think we’ve been a little bit unlucky to only have two wins, having missed lots of chances to win games, and conceding four points to two screamers against Fylde and Gateshead.

"The returns of James Norwood and Joe Garner who both missed the start of the season and the entire pre season should go some way to resolving our accuracy issues in front of goal."

What are the hopes for this season and what do you feel can be achieved?

"Promotion this season has to be an aim for this team, who have shown (at least data-wise) that we are capable of competing at the very top of the division.

"Making the play-offs will be the minimum pass mark for Mellon, who has had the time and resources now to mould and craft his squad."

Has the team changed much since last season?

"As a starting XI, our squad hasn’t really changed much at all, with at least six or seven of last year’s ’regulars’ are still in the team.

"What has changed, however, is the size of the fringe squad, which has been massively trimmed down with permanent departures and loans."

How has ex Shrimpers defender Shaun Hobson been playing?

"Shaun Hobson has had a bit of a mixed start to his Oldham career.

"He wasn’t really fancied by David Unsworth, but has been a mainstay under Mellon.

"He did struggle at times last season, as we went the whole season without a recognised right back, forcing him to cover large areas of the pitch, but this season, he has been a big part of an excellent defensive unit alongside Charlie Raglan and Manny Monthé, with experienced right back Reagan Ogle outside of him."

Who is the dangerman?

"James Norwood is the obvious answer for a danger man.

"His goal scoring record speaks for itself but I’d also add Harry Charsley, who has been outstanding since signing from Newport in summer.

"His work rate and pressing high areas has often been too much for teams to live with.

"He has also chipped in with a couple of goals and an assist already as well."

What's the team news?

"Team news for us is pretty simple, as we’ve no new injuries or suspensions as far as I’m aware, and the only new additions to the squad would be Joe Garner on the bench. I suspect we’d probably line up like this; (5-2-2-1) Hudson, Ogle, Hobson, Raglan, Monthé, Uchegbulam, Lundstram, Conlon (c) ,Gardner, Charsley, Norwood