DAVID Unsworth says he is in the midst of one of his most significant periods since becoming manager of Oldham Athletic, despite not having a game to prepare for this weekend.

The Latics boss has made a number of changes to the squad since taking charge in September, including making nine signings in his quest to strengthen the team.

The postponement of this weekend's fixture against Dagenham and Redbridge, who are still involved in the FA Cup, means there is a two-week gap between games.

And Unsworth is looking to utilise it as a mini 'pre-season' to bed new players in work on the systems he believes will be most effective for them as they bid to get more wins under their belt and climb up the table.

Asked how helpful the free fortnight could be for them, the Latics boss said: "It's massive. It's a huge, huge period for me on the training ground, recruitment wise, togetherness and camaraderie around the team. Little things like we all come together in a morning and at lunchtime in a nice room where there's an atmosphere.

"There's a team spirit and a team ethic. I can sense it. I heard it on the bus for the first time (for the trip to Maidstone last week), I could hear it in the changing rooms.

"I know what the end result looks like, and I know what a successful team sounds like and looks like and feels like and we're starting to get there, in my opinion. We're starting to get the fundamentals in place, the foundations in place of a settled team of characters, winners, leaders that we haven't had since I've been here.

"It's no surprise that last week the performance was really good and we should have won the game."

Unsworth signed Ellis Chapman on loan from Cheltenham on the eve of the trip to the Gallagher Stadium, with the midfielder going straight into the starting line-up.

And after the goalless draw in Kent, Unsworth added striker Alex Reid on a permanent deal from Stockport, ending his loan with Solihull Moors, who he is set to face next Saturday when Latics return to action.

"We've added a bit of quality and we hope to maybe add a little bit more," Unsworth added.

"Those players now will gel and get better and fitter and we'll soon be up the table."