Crock Robins (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Crock Robins

ANDY King will cast an envious eye at the Oldham bench this evening as the Town boss struggles to name a squad of 16 fit players.

His troops have been dropping like flies ahead of the first home game of the season.

Steve Jenkins is a major doubt with a calf injury, while Gareth Whalley is struggling after a knock to the chest during Saturday's 2-0 loss at Barnsley.

Stefani Miglioranzi is still not fit and Rory Fallon serves the last of a three-match suspension.

Sean O'Hanlon is laid up with a viral problem and Rhys Evans has still not fully recovered from his knee complaint, but both may be forced to play due to the lack of experienced cover at King's disposal.

He said: "We've got loads of knocks Sean O'Hanlon, Steve Jenkins, Gareth Whalley.

"Miglioranzi won't play and Rhys Evans is still injured but we've got no choice with him.

"He's not fully fit but he's probably going to have to play."

Teenage striker Andy Caton has been handed squad number 22, suggesting he will be called upon to bolster the bench.

Ronnie Moore, King's opposite number at Oldham, has injury problems of his own, with the likes of high-profile front men Luke Beckett and Chris Killen ruled out.

But he has the luxury of a huge senior squad something King can only dream about.

"They've made ten or 11 summer signings. That scares the life out of me," said Town's manager.

"Ronnie Moore's brought players in from everywhere.

"But as I keep saying, everywhere we go they've got bigger squads than us.

"I keep telling everyone that but no-one's willing to listen. People think we're making excuses but we're not.

"I looked at Oldham's bench on Saturday and there's Delroy Facey on there.

"Chris Killen from Manchester City a New Zealand international not even playing. Luke Beckett's another one.

"Someone has given the club a boost in finances and allowed Ronnie to have a go and it may pay dividends, only time will tell."

King believes Oldham's resources and Moore's nous could make them a force to be reckoned with in League One this season.

"Money doesn't justify results but it certainly helps," he added.

"There certainly looks to be an improvement in Oldham at the start of this season from the end of last. They've built a squad and that gives them an opportunity.

"If the manager's good as I know Ronnie Moore is that gives them an opportunity to be successful.

"He's got a track record in this division and I know he's a good manager. So the combination could be a good one."

Without any pre-season action at the County Ground, this evening's game marks Town's first home fixture for three months.

King doesn't feel this will be a factor in the outcome however.

"It's the first home game but it doesn't make any difference," he said.

"Pre-season games are not the same as competitive games so it's not an issue. The only issue is if we've got bodies to field a team."