A final indignity in a dreadful season on Saturday with defeat to relegation-threatened Wealdstone was followed by a lengthy and, at times, controversial post-match interview by Micky Mellon to conclude the campaign.

It’s incredible to think that 11 games ago, we were looking at trying to catch second for the easier play-off draw.

However, it has been nothing short of a huge implosion since then to see us end the season in a hugely disappointing 10th position.

Mellon seemed to be feeling the pressure during the game, responding to some fans’ negative comments with a similar shout of his own and then called some fans idiots in his interview. Keeping the support of any fanbase is key though.

I, of course, recognise it must be difficult to not respond at times but that is the job.

And I cannot agree with his statement that we were at risk of relegation when he arrived.

As he rightly said, it is clear that we have been unbalanced all season with certain positions needing to be filled with quality but the core of the side were all playing in the Football League until they joined Latics with other players having recently won the National League and player of the season awards.

Furthermore, Mellon brought in a number of new signings himself and then didn’t play them.

Football is a game of opinions and this side was, in my opinion, on a solely footballing basis, good enough for the play-offs so it really needs to be examined clearly as to why that didn’t happen.

Mellon alluded to something happening behind the scenes. What that was I don’t know but I do wonder if it links to the mentality issue that, for me, is absolutely the reason we didn’t make the play-offs.

There was too often a lack of desire, too often a lack of winning mentality and too often a lack of simple will to work hard and grind out results.

Mellon said how difficult he thinks it will be for us next season but we have to be up there in with a shout of promotion. Is that possible?

With some wheeling and dealing in the budget for new personnel and a mentality shift, without a doubt. But the post-mortem of this season has to be full, swift and honest to ensure these wrongs don’t rear up again.

I do believe that Mellon is the man to take us forward and his pedigree in getting promotion from this league speaks for itself so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does in pre-season to get us ready for a tilt at finishing as highly as possible in 2024-25.

With my season ticket renewed, I’ll be there for more ups and downs with Oldham. Have a great summer!