Oldham Athletic boss looks to add goals to Lundstram's game

The Scot and his coaching staff have been working closely with the midfielder to change his role within the team, transforming him from a player who breaks up play to a playmaker.

It has resulted in Lundstram contributing to the scoresheet in recent wins over Woking in the league and Halifax in the FA Cup, as well as a consolation goal in Latics' first home defeat of the season, against Solihull Moors.

Against Halifax, when Lundstram contributed to a 4-2 win with some impressive build-up play and a goal of his own, Mellon said it was "as good a midfield display as you'll see, with and without the ball. He was terrific."

And the Scot said the specialist knowledge of himself and assistant Gary Brabin from their playing days influenced their decision to change the former Altrincham man's dynamic within the team.

"Me and Brabs were midfield players and played a lot of games at a good level, so we kind of know the things that he's capable of," Mellon explained.

Josh Lundstram celebrates his goal against Woking with Mark Kitching (right) (Image: Thomas Lee Stacey)

"So it was a bit about selling him the idea that he can be great up there and score goals and really get into dangerous areas and show his qualities in the final third and middle third of the pitch. He's doing that, and he looks a real top player, and if you were at the (Halifax) game you would say 'Wow, he's as good as anything that I've seen in non-league and certainly in the north at the minute'.

"He's blossoming now and he's buying into what we say."

Mellon added: "We're trying to get him to impact the game nearer the opposition's goal. We know he's got really good ability but we think if we can add goals to Josh Lundstram's qualities it will move him forwards as a player, because he's very capable of that.

"So we want him playing closer to the opposition's goal, showing the qualities he's got closer to the opposition's goal, and chipping in with goals.

"It's been trying to move him from accepting that he's a sitting midfield player to saying 'we want you to play as lose to their goals as much as possible'.

"That's what he's capable of, and if he adds goals to his game on top of the qualities he's already got - which he is doing - we've got a really, really good player there."