CARL Piergianni’s captaincy and community spirit has been praised by Latics head coach Keith Curle.

While the Boundary Park skipper has been one of the most consistent performers on the pitch this season, last week he received national recognition for the work that he does in representing the club OFF the pitch.

Piergianni picked up the PFA Community Champion 2020/21 award for supporting the community work done by Oldham Athletic Community Trust in helping to liaise player visits with OACT and ensuring all members of the squad get involved with community work and school visits, as well as being hands on himself in hosting several player visits with schools, supporting key events like World Book Day, and spreading numerous community messages, among many other things.

That work has not been straightforward during a global pandemic, but Curle insists it is just as important and applauded Piergianni for his commitment to the cause for the club’s Community Trust.

“I think it shows the temperament of the character of the lad that he’s not only aware of his position but he’s aware of his role as a footballer within our environment and I think he’s taken on board that responsibility very well,” said the Latics chief.

“He’s a vocal character on the pitch but he’s also a vocal character for the team and a good representative for the club.

“It’s something that I’ve been big on myself within these difficult times. Footballers and people in the industry forget how lucky we are that we can still go to work and to be honest there has been very little change within our routine and I know that normal lifestyles of a lot of people are massively affected.”

And Curle admitted that Piergianni’s award was a feather in the cap for the club as well.

“We are very proud of the work that Carl does, and the (Community) Trust as well,” the Latics head coach continued.

“It’s a community football club. The football club, the same as most football clubs, we understand our responsibility within our local community.”

And Curle says these qualities are what his dressing room needs.

“They are good ambassadors for our profession,” he said.

“He (Piergianni) takes on board responsibility, he’s aware of his profile as an individual but also as a representative of the club.”