KEITH Curle says Oldham Athletic need a change in mentality after defeat at home to rock bottom Grimsby Town summed up a season of inconsistency.

Latics led on the half-hour when Conor McAleny slotted home his 21st goal of the season after Alfie McCalmont had robbed Jay Matete in the centre circle.

But celebrations were short-lived as Harry Clarke lost possession to Matt Green, who cut inside and fired a speculative shot that bounced awkwardly to scupper goalkeeper Laurie Walker six minutes later.

The game had an end of season feel to it but Grimsby maintained their fight. Matete atoned for his earlier error with a brilliant solo run and finish 10 minutes from time.

Curle said it summed up their season, but he is adamant that he can enforce the necessary shift in mindset at Boundary Park, given the chance.

The Latics head coach is in talks about extending his contract beyond the short term deal that he signed until the end of this season.

"It was a great finish to win the game. I thought we started the game okay and grew into it, and could have had a few chances with a better final ball. But ultimately I think it's indicative of where the football club is at the minute. Win a couple of games, it seems to be acceptable to lose a couple of games," he said.

"That's the secret with myself and the owners, am I the person to come in and change that? Would that change that mentality, and sometimes if you can't change the mentality you have to change what's in the changing room."

And Curle feels it is clear to see where the problems lie.

"Go back to where we are as a team, I think we've scored 71 goals but conceded 74. If you score 71 goals you've got every right to expect to be in the top six, conceded 74 you've got every right to be in the bottom four, and that's where the football club finds itself at the minute," he said.

"On their day we can beat anybody and then, like today, on another day we can get beat by anybody, and that's what's got to change.

"I think you change that with the manager you bring and the people that he brings into the football club, and also the ones that remain with the football club.

"They are the conversations that I'll be having with the owner. Am I the person to do that?"

Asked if he felt he was, he said: "I know I can do it.

"We've opened discussions between myself and the owners and it's about the infrastructure at the football club, and it's at a good stage because we're all on the same page, we have a good understanding and the pleasing thing is it hasn't broken down over money yet.

"Every time we win I want more, every time we get beat he offers me less."