KEITH Curle hopes that the depth of Latics’ squad unity is soon reflected in results.

Oldham have suffered a torrid start to the season with a now double transfer embargo compounded by an extensive injury list, and only three wins from their opening 14 games leaving them fourth bottom of League Two, just one point above the relegation places.

Added to that there has been disharmony between supporters and the club’s hierarchy with a succession of pitch invasions and protests, some of which have disrupted games.

“It’s not easy,” Curle explained.

But amid it all he has been encouraged by the togetherness within the dressing room, and he is confident it will pay dividends in helping them to climb up the table.

“I think that’s a sign of a good football club,” said the head coach.

“We need to improve on the pitch, we know that. Individually and collectively there’s room for improvement.

“We’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel with some of the players that are going to be able to rejoin the squad for training in the next week, 10 days, two weeks. That will give the changing room another boost.”

Curle was operating in a restricted market during the summer months. With transfer fees off limits because of the embargo he was limited to free agents.

There were plenty to choose from, but in earmarking summer targets Curle did not just want players with individual talent, but also the right characters who could work well together.

He feels he has got a good blend, and a group that have established a solid bond despite the socialising restrictions during a global pandemic.

Indeed, Latics are still encouraging players to make their own way to training and the ground rather than use the traditional ‘car schools’.

But they are making up for it by instead using their time at the training ground to not only just focus on tactics but team spirit too.

“People can talk about old school team spirit, going down the pub and nights out together. We’re slightly different we build our team spirit at the training ground and it’s about how players conduct themselves, taking accountability and responsibility, being part of their environment, and also adding to it,” said Curle.

“We try to make sure we don’t have a fear factor in and around the first team. We put demands and we challenge players to excel.

He added: “You can’t buy team spirit. It’s something you build and create and develop.

“You need consistency in management, consistency in the information that you’re giving but also giving them accountability, it’s their domain, it’s their environment, be a part of it and be expressive.”