Jake’s old acquaintance

By Jon Couch

TOP COUP: Jake Caprice has joined Oldham Athletic

PIC: Alamy

JAKE Caprice says working with boss Micky Mellon once again was key to his decision to return to the National League with Oldham Athletic.

The 31-year-old joins the Latics with plenty of Football League experience at the likes of Burton Albion, Exeter City, Leyton Orient and Tranmere Rovers, where he played under Mellon as they won promotion to League One.

“I can’t wait to get going, this is a really exciting place to play my football,” Caprice told the Latics’ website.

“I’ve worked with the manager before and know some of the boys really well. Talks have been ongoing for a while, but I just had to make sure this decision was right for me and my family.

“Micky knows me as a player and a person and he’s a manager who can get the best out of me. He’ll allow me to enjoy my football as well as challenging me which will hopefully lead to success for this club.”

A Crystal Place trainee, Caprice spent eight years with the Eagles before joining Championship side Blackpool.

Caprice teamed up with Mellon at Tranmere in 2018, but his most notable spell came at Exeter City, where he made 123 appearances for the Grecians, helping the club gain promotion to League One in 2021/22.

Last season, he turned out for Burton Albion and Latics boss Mellon insists he can play a pivotal role in Oldham’s bid to return to the EFL.

“I’m really pleased, I think something we lacked last season was pace in wide areas,” manager Mellon said.

“Jake’s more of an offensive wing back and he can play on the left as well, he’s very versatile and most importantly he has a winning mentality.

“He bolsters up our squad and gives competition for places. We’ve chased him for pretty much all summer, and we’re delighted to get it over the line.

“Jake will fit into the culture we’ve created here at Oldham very well, he’s a good guy and a player that fans should be excited for.”