Oldham Athletic Forward In League One Switch

Oldham Athletic forward Joe Nuttall is close to completing a move to Cheltenham Town, as reported by Jon Palmer of Gloucestershire Live.

Forwards were expected to be the priority for Darrell Clarke in this window after the Robins agreed on the sale of Will Goodwin to Oxford United. Goodwin left after just a year at Whaddon Road and was the club’s top scorer this season following the departure of prolific forward Alfie May in the summer. New signing Rob Street picked up an injury in the first half of the weekend’s game with Derby County, and Arsenal forward Nathan Butler-Odeyeji has returned to the Emirates.

Nuttall came through the ranks of Premier League champions Manchester City but failed to make an impact with the Cityzens. Since 2015, he has spent time in Scotland with Aberdeen, Stranraer and Dumbarton and featured for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Scunthorpe United. His time at Rovers saw him reach his highest point in the pyramid, helping the club win promotion to the Championship from League One.

27-year-old Nuttall made his debut for England C last year and joined Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2022 from Scunthorpe United. This season, he has struggled for game time with the club, making 13 appearances in all competitions and scoring one goal. The forward heads out on loan to Cheltenham Town for the remainder of the season, with his contract running up in the summer of 2025. The Robins have also completed the signing of Matty Taylor from local rivals Forest Green Rovers.

Writer’s View

Cheltenham have recruited very well this window, but this signing is questionable. After the sale of a forward picking up excellent form in front of goal, one who is struggling in the National League could prove risky business. Given Nuttall has promotion experience from this league, it could pay off.