Dan Gardner will remain an Oldham Athletic player next season.

The experienced midfielder was one of a number of players whose contracts expired this summer, two years after returning to Boundary Park under former boss John Sheridan.

The 34-year-old, who came back for a second spell, had expressed his desire to stay at the club where he had previously made more than 70 appearances for Latics between 2017 and 2019.

While manager Micky Mellon had hoped to keep Gardner after a run of impressive individual performances towards the end of last season, there were no guarantees as he looked to trim the squad and monitor the budget ahead of the new 2024/25 season.

But the departures of Mark Shelton to Barnet, Nathan Sheron to Hartlepool and Joe Nuttall on a season-long loan to Altrincham, in addition to Hallam Hope leaving at the end of last season, have enabled Latics to strike a deal with Gardner.

It was a situation that boss Mellon had hoped to come to for Gardner, in particular, and the Latics boss was delighted to reach an agreement to keep him for another 12 months.

“Dan is a top professional who loves the football club and we’re pleased to sign him again for next season," said Mellon.

“His quality and technical ability are there for all to see and it was a no-brainer to offer him a new deal.

“Dan is a great person to have around the club, he sets the perfect example to every player and his experience and ability will be important for us as we look ahead to the new season.”

After penning his new deal, Gardner said: "I couldn’t wait to get the contract signed and I’m really looking forward to the new season now.

“The aim on a personal level is to kick on from where I finished last season. I had a good run of games and was able to chip in with a few goals, so I want to be able to continue with good performances in that manner.

“It’s a massive season coming up for us as a team. We should have made the play-offs last season, but with the players who are here and those coming in, I don’t see why we shouldn’t be ahead of where we were last season.

“We’ve seen over the last few years that there are some very competitive sides in this league but our job is to try to be better than everyone else and it is all on us now.

“All I’ve ever wanted to happen at Oldham is to be part of a successful team and give the fans a good season. I know the club inside out and I just want good things to happen, so I really hope this is the season.”