DAVIS Keillor-Dunn says Oldham must use the disappointments of last season as inspiration to push up the table this term.

Latics were among League Two's top scorers with 72, but overall they had little to celebrate as shipping 81 goals - the most in the division - meant there were more defeats than wins.

Their inconsistent form led to a mid-season change of manager, with Keith Curle appointed as Harry Kewell's successor in March.

On an initial short-term contract, the former Carlisle and Northampton boss's remit was to guarantee League football for another season, which was achieved with three games to spare.

But that comfortable 3-0 win at Harrogate Town was to be their last of the season, as the campaign petered out to a meagre 18th placed finish following three defeats on the spin.

And while Keillor-Dunn is keen to put the disappointments of last term behind him, he feels that Latics could also use them to propel them as they prepare to embark on a new campaign.

"In my head I'm still a bit disappointed about it, finishing a little bit lower than I'd want. But that's the past, you've got to look to the future - take the positives out of last year, bring them into this year and just have a good go, give it your all, give it 100 per cent - that's what the fans pay their money for," said the attacking midfielder.

"I think most of our troubles were ourselves. We were brilliant going forward but not shoring up at the back and helping the back lads out.

"Once we get that balance of attacking and defending this year hopefully we can get a good in-between, a good balance."

And Keillor-Dunn feels they are already benefitting from a full pre-season under Curle as the head coach moulds the team into his own, with five new recruits and more expected before the transfer window closes.

Curle was not blessed with much training ground time to work on tactics and techniques with the volume of games between March and May, having arrived on an initial short-term contract.

But since agreeing a new two-year contract to remain at Boundary Park, Curle has set to work on putting his stamp on the side over the summer.

And Keillor-Dunn is confident the hard work can pay off.

"Definitely. We understand the formation he wants to play, the standard he wants - on and off the pitch everything is put in place. There are fine margins, and we've all taken to it,” the 23-year-old told The Oldham Times.

"He touched on it last season as well and it's been even better this season so hopefully it puts us in good stead to take that attitude onto the pitch.

“You want a full pre-season and we came in quite early so I think we're ahead of a few teams, but hopefully the fitness shows and the boys are robust.

"We're trying to keep everyone fit this year and having a right good go and try to get up to the top of the table."