Premier help for crisis-hit Oldham

Oldham are unsure whether they will be in business at the end of the season, or have a manager in situ much longer. Today, however, they face Rushden & Diamonds, bolstered by recruits from the Premiership.

Manager Iain Dowie, among the favourites to take over at West Ham, has been allowed to supplement his meagre squad with the loans of goalkeeper Adam Collin and striker Calvin Zola Makongo from Newcastle.

Oldham, third from bottom of the Second Division, were permitted by the Football League to sign the pair as they did not have enough fit players.

Collin has been part of Newcastle's first-team squad in the past, while Congo-born Makongo has been a regular in the juniors and reserves.

Oldham face suspension if they cannot prove to the League by 8 September that they can fulfil the rest of the season's fixtures, and that they have £1m of new investment.

Three other clubs in the division are proving life exists after financial crises. QPR, who host Chesterfield today, and Swindon, who entertain Blackpool, are both within a win of Barnsley at the top. Barnsley face Notts County, who have nine days to convince the League of their financial viability.