Akuneto leads Oldham Academy to victory in farewell game

The curtain closed on Oldham Athletic's academy structure this season, but not before the youth team delivered a final act to be proud of.

While promotion wasn't achieved within the allotted grace period for relegated clubs to maintain academy status, the players bowed out in style under the guidance of coach Chukwuma Akuneto.

Despite facing uncertainty about their future, the young Latics took the field against Shrewsbury Town U18s with a united spirit, demonstrating their respect for each other, the club, and their coach.

Goals from Sam Davidson, Alfie Atherton, and Collins Kagawe secured a 3-0 victory, showcasing the qualities these players possess regardless of what path they choose next.

First-year scholars were offered a chance to remain within the club's new development center, while the second-year group faces individual decisions about their future. Yet, none of this uncertainty affected their performance on the pitch, a testament to the team environment fostered by Akuneto since his appointment last summer.

Akuneto's impact went beyond results. He recognized Atherton's attacking potential, shifting him from winger to striker, a move that significantly improved the team's performance.

"My philosophy is to create a team that works together," Akuneto explained. "It's not fair to burden one player with the responsibility to win. We move the ball and support each other, and that approach has yielded results throughout the season."

With the academy chapter closed, Akuneto focused on ensuring the players were prepared for their final game. "We can't control the future," he acknowledged, "but we have the opportunity to represent Oldham. My message to them was simple: 'Let's go out there, represent this badge and ourselves, and give it our all.' And they did just that."

Both Atherton and Davidson acknowledged the positive influence Akuneto, affectionately known as "Chucks," had on them individually and as a team.

"We've grown closer as people and as a team," said Atherton. "Chucks played a huge role in that. We had a rough start, but after Christmas, we turned things around and achieved some great results."

He credited the team's success to hard work and Akuneto's guidance. "He instilled a strong work ethic in us, and even in games where we weren't at our best, we managed to secure points through collective effort."

Atherton also expressed his appreciation for the new role he was given. "Playing as a striker under Chucks has been a game-changer for me," he said. "He recognized my potential and worked with me on movement and positioning. I'm thrilled to finish the season with a goal."

Davidson, a long-time Latics player since his under-nines days, echoed the sentiment. "Finishing the season with a win is always satisfying, regardless of the league position. Chucks has been a fantastic coach, encouraging us to be confident, composed, and embrace his philosophy. It's been about learning and applying what he teaches on the pitch."

This final chapter of Oldham Athletic's academy may be over, but the impact of coach Akuneto and the spirit of the players will undoubtedly continue to resonate within them as they embark on their individual journeys.