Soccer
Charlie Raglan ready to take on expectation for Oldham in do-or-die play-off eliminator
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Oldham have had to deal with being a big fish ever since their relegation to the National League in 2022.
The Latics, who were one of the teams in the inaugural Premier League season three decades ago, are just one of several former EFL clubs that have competed in the fifth tier this season, but Wednesday night will be the first step in an opportunity to make it back to League Two.
Having been in and around the play-off picture all season, Oldham host Halifax in the eliminator game and are the favourites going into the game with home advantage. It's the first time the club have mounted a promotion charge since being at this level and defender Charlie Raglan is fully aware of the expectation on his side.
"The expectation is always there," Raglan exclusively told DAZN News.
"Ever since I've been here and obviously, not really the time to touch on last year, but last year was a tough environment to be in because it was maybe new in terms of the expectation was so big.
"But you just knew that there was something not right in terms of, well, obviously, the performances on a Saturday weren't up to scratch. So, as I've said before, it doesn't always matter the badge on the chest or the ground you're playing on, because the performances have to be up to standard. And we've worked hard to improve that.
"I think this year, obviously, being in this position for starters has shown how much work we've put in. And yeah, we know that we're expected to win on Wednesday. However, I know that the game isn't like that, and it probably won't remain that way.
"Hopefully, we're at it. And I think that if we play to our best, we will come out on top."
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Raglan believes that the nature of the game could suit Micky Mellon's boys and that they are ready to etch their name into club folklore.
Adding, "It can suit us because you're going all out to win the game as it is and not thinking about what if this happens, what if that happens, in the next game, this and that and the other. So, not to be dramatic, but it's do-or-die on Wednesday.
"I've heard the stats lately around the way they finished in the league in recent years and being in a play-off position for the first time in eighteen years.
"So all these things are putting us in a position where, you know, if you do come out on top and you're successful, then it'll be remembered for years to come. And that's a magical thing for everyone involved."
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