Why Dolan has been given a second chance at Oldham Athletic

The midfielder has returned to the club four years after signing his first professional contract at Boundary Park. But back then he had his fledgling career cut short as just nine days later he was arrested for dangerous driving, for which he received an eight-month sentence and had his contract terminated.

Dolan was caught using a mobile phone while driving along the M60 near Ashton, and reached speeds of up to 98mph in trying to evade police. It later transpired he was already banned from driving for a previous offence.

The former Manchester United Academy player, who was 18 at the time, was on his way to training when he was chased by police, lost control of the vehicle in trying to exit the carriageway, collided with some railings and was arrested after a short chase on foot.

He was sentenced to eight months in a young offender institution for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Mellon, who last week signed Dolan on loan from Fleetwood, says the 23-year-old is a reformed character after serving his time and is ready to put the past behind him.

“What really impresses me about Callum is how he has turned his life around. He has paid, quite rightly, for what he has done previously but he has shown a great attitude in going back into lower non-league which has earned him his move to Fleetwood," said the Latics boss.

“I have done a lot of work in an industry with young people who maybe need some guidance in life and make poor decisions if they don’t have that. It’s then the responsibility of people in roles like mine to help them make better decisions.

Callum Dolan came off the bench for Latics against Gateshead on Bank Holiday Monday (Image: Phill Smith)

“Callum is definitely making better decisions in life and he has shown that has a great desire to be a footballer. To be a good footballer, you’ve got to make good decisions on and off the pitch. Callum has been desperate to come back to Oldham, he is a good young man and I am pleased to have him here.

“Callum is a talented lad and we need the type of energy he can bring to our midfield. As a player, he’s got many of the qualities we need to help us play the way we want to."

And Dolan, who has worked his way back into the professional game through non-league, says he is determined to make the most of his second chance.

“I had always thought about coming back here, playing in front of the Oldham fans and hopefully this is my opportunity to repay them," he explained.

“I’m very grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity. Last time I was here, I made some mistakes but I feel the character I’ve shown to get back to playing at a good level is a reflection of the desire I’ve got to play.

“I could easily have given up on a lot of things but as soon as I got my head straight, I knew that I wanted to prove myself again as a footballer and my determination has always been to come back to a big club like Oldham and do well.”