Speculation on social media and fan forums have suggested that Andy Mangan is set to return to League One by joining Oldham Athletic. While it seems far-fetched, we believe there is a good chance of it happening.
Mangan has managed to secure some excellent moves during his career, some of which raise an eyebrow at the time. Less than two years ago, he left Tranmere to join League One Shrewsbury Town before returning to Prenton Park 12 months later.
However, since his return, the forward has failed to break back in to the team, and even in the games he has played, he has looked well off the pace. It culminated in being moved out on loan to AFC Fylde, where he has also failed to pull up any trees.
Now, oddly, Mangan is set to go back up the leagues and join the Latics. Rovers fans will hope that it’s a swap deal involving midfielder Ollie Banks, who has impressed on loan at Prenton Park, but that maybe overly optimistic.
What we do know, however, is that Mangan has a strong freidnship with Oldham boss Richie Wellens. Mangan is known within football for being a huge personality in and around the dressing room, which is seen as a positive by Wellens and a key factor in a potential move.
If Mangan does move to the Latics, it’s likely to be a deal until the end of the season and on which will be primarily based on appearance/performance fees rather than a significant basic wage. He will also be a third of fourth choice striker.
In the summer, National League South side Southport failed in an ambitious attempt to take Mangan to Haig Avenue.
Gerry McDonagh returns to Forest
Meanwhile, striker Gerry McDonagh has returned to Nottingham Forest today following two months on loan at Prenton Park. Aside from an impressive performance against Halifax at Prenton Park, the big centre forward has failed to make an impact and made only a handful of appearances.
With McDonagh gone and Mangan perhaps following, George Waring and James Alabi may return from their loan spells this month. However, we understand Alabi was/is scheduled to stay at Dover until the end of the season, while both players have spent much of their loan spells on the bench.
