TAKE A BOW, KEVIN AND MICKY

WHAT an occasion today’s promotion final is set to be.

- Adam VIRGO

Two huge clubs with incredible history and tradition, backed by large support in front of what is set to be a record-breaking crowd.

It’s so hard to call. On paper, it looks like it will be a tight encounter. Southend won 1-0 earlier in the season and they’ve also shared a 1-1 draw.

Funnily enough, the two goal-scorers that day were Southend United’s goal machine Gus Scott-Morriss and, for Oldham, Mike Fondop. What’s the betting those two have a big say under the arch this afternoon?

For different reasons - and many of the same - it’s obviously a huge game for both clubs as they look to book their return to the Football League.

When I look at clubs who need to get back into the EFL, the manager is the most important factor. Think Darrell Clarke at Bristol Rovers, Paul Hurst with Grimsby, Stockport County’s Dave Challinor.

I can’t speak highly enough of the duo in the dug-outs this afternoon, Micky Mellon and Kevin Maher.

The back end of last season was a bit of a mess for Oldham as they drifted out of play-off contention.

We saw it at Chesterfield. When teams get it right, they haven’t always signed the so-called best players. But they sign a squad of players who really make it happen.