NEW boss John Sheridan will be bidding to put one over former manager Ronnie Moore when Oldham Athletic take on Tranmere Rovers in an opening day League One cracker.

Sheridan admitted: "The interest from the fans is obvious and it looks like being a terrific contest with both sides wanting to put one over on each other.

"Ronnie will have his Rovers fired up for this one; they are going to be strong and organised and we know the manager would love to put one over his old club.

"It will be a real battle but we are well prepared and we will be ready for them."

Moore, 53, returned to the Wirral to take charge of Rovers after being sacked by Oldham in the summer while Sheridan, 41, was promoted from the Boundary Park coaching staff.

But he insisted there would be no bad feelings when the clubs come face to face.

Sheridan said: "Ronnie is a great bloke and I got on very well with him while he was in charge.

"No disrespect to him, but I want us to play a bit more football this season - that's the way I was brought up."

Oldham have been hit by a massive pre-season blow, with playmaker Richie Wellens sidelined with hamstring damage.

Doubt

Striker Chris Porter is also a major doubt but new signings Les Pogliacomi, Craig Rocastle, Gary McDonald and Neil Wood, will all be given debuts.

Sheridan added: "I am ready for the challenge and I am hoping the lads are just as excited as me."

Moore has brought in 10 new signings at Tranmere - adding the likes of veterans John Mullin and Gareth Taylor to help bring on rising Academy stars Mike Jones and Steve Davies - and is desperate for a crack at promotion after taking Oldham to tenth place last season.

He said: "John (Sheridan) is good enough to make a name for himself in management and he could have his side up there with us."

Sheridan has made offers to two players as he bids to boost his squad before the start of the new season.

He wants to bring the unamed duo - a defender and striker with Championship experience - to Boundary Park on loan.

He said: "I am now waiting for them to come back to me."

Meanwhile, Latics have failed to land 19-year-old front man Calum Elliot on loan from Hearts after the Scottish Premiership outfit blocked a deal.

But they are giving trials to young Bolton keeper Chris Howarth.

The 20-year-old will be on the bench for tomorrow's game at Tranmere if he recovers in time from a bruised foot picked up in a Latics reserve team outing on Wednesday night.

Last season: Tranmere 4 Oldham 0

Key opponent: Chris Shuker - Livewire striker has been impressive in pre-season

Prediction: Tranmere 1 Oldham 1

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