CHARACTER will play as significant a role as quality when it comes to Keith Curle assembling his new Latics squad.

While the Oldham boss is keen to attract players who are able to mix up their style of play - and be as capable in possession as they are in winning the ball back - he is on the lookout for players with the right mentality too.

"I want hungry players around me that will do the horrible side of the game but that can play. And that winning mentality that's not formed by enjoying the feeling when you win and not quite enjoying it when you get beat. That doesn't make you a winner," said Curle.

"Sometimes you have to get players around you that are prepared to do the horrible side of the game and do the hard yards when needed.

"But then also when they've earned the right to play, be able to play."

Curle is keen to add more leaders to his squad, and has already had discussions with former Accrington Stanley captain Luke Joyce, who was one of his first signings when he took charge of Carlisle United.

The midfielder is a free agent after leaving Port Vale at the end of his deal this summer.

And having enjoyed two decades as a player before moving straight into management, the former Manchester City and Wolves defender is utilising his vast array of contacts as he bids to mould a team that he feels will be capable of challenging at the top end of League Two next season.

"There are players in mind," he told Radio Manchester.

"I'm well connected within all divisions but I especially know this division very well.

"I've got good contacts, I've got a good contacts book, I've got good knowledge of players in this division and it's a case of recruiting to a system that I want to implement - not just recruiting players because they're available.

"They've got to fit into the system and they've got to fit into the football team and the structure, they've got to fit into the football club, their personality and character has got to be right for where we are as a football club."