JOHN Sheridan has got "stellar signings" on his radar as he bids to assemble a new-look squad that he hopes will be capable of challenging for promotion back to the Football League.

Latics have yet to announce their first external signing, having so far recruited from within in awarding Academy graduates Rob Edwards and Trey Turner their first professional contracts.

But Oldham Athletic fans have been assured that the head coach is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to rebuild after relegation.

"John is certainly working hard," said former director Barry Owen, who has returned to the club as an advisor to the board.

"He has already met some players and is hopeful of a couple of stellar signings.

"This time of the year is very difficult with a lot of players still being contracted to the end of June and being paid by their former club, and they are keeping their options open.

"But John is working hard, meeting players - not just discussing things over the phone or through agents, he is actually meeting the players face to face and doing what he has to do.

"Everyone at the club is working quite positively, hoping for us to get out of the situation we have got ourselves into."

At the end of last season Sheridan said he was planning an overhaul of his squad, with the majority of players out of contract.

"I think we need a big clear-out. There are obviously players who I'd like to try to keep and I'll be judged on that," said Sheridan, who after agreeing to stay for the 2022/23 season assured fans that he would be responsible for this summer's transfer activity at Oldham Athletic.

Previous head coaches have had their hands tied by the requirements and recommendations of sporting director Mo Lemsagam when it came to signings and team selection.

But after agreeing a one-year extension to remain as head coach following relegation to the National League, Sheridan says he will take the lead on recruitment.

"That's something I made clear even before I agreed to come in," he said.

"I'd like to bring players in and make us stronger and better and push harder to get us out of the league."

Latics have been linked with Brett Pitman following his release from Bristol Rovers, but The Oldham Times understands that the former Bournemouth forward is settled in the south and is reluctant to leave.

Sheridan is in talks with veteran wide man Nicky Adams over a new deal, as well as Jack Stobbs.