On this week's episode of Random Fandom FC we meet Rob who is an Oldham Athletic fan.

Before we chat to him we have to wrap up last week and see how Crystal Palace got on after we spoke to Laurie on last week's episode.

He predicted a 2 or 3-0 win while I went for a 2-2 draw.

Then we move onto Oldham so here is the regular team fact sheet...

Oldham Athletic AFC - Club Overview

Founded in 1895 as Pine Villa FC before adopting the name Oldham Athletic in 1899, the club is based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They joined the Football League in 1907 and enjoyed early success, reaching the First Division in 1910. The Latics narrowly missed out on the league title in the 1914-15 season, finishing as runners-up, their highest-ever league position.

The club spent much of the 20th century fluctuating between divisions, with notable periods in the top two tiers. Under manager Joe Royle in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Oldham saw a resurgence, winning the Second Division title in 1991 to gain promotion to the top flight. They became one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992 but were relegated two years later. They also made two FA Cup semi-final appearances in the early ‘90s, narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

Following relegation from the Championship in 1997, Oldham entered a prolonged period in the lower leagues. They remained in League One for over two decades before a further decline saw them drop into League Two in 2018. In 2022, Oldham became the first former Premier League club to be relegated from the Football League, falling into the National League. Despite off-field struggles, a new era began with the 2022 takeover by local businessman Frank Rothwell, bringing renewed optimism to the club.

Boundary Park remains Oldham’s home, a ground they have played at since 1904. The club has a passionate fanbase and a rich history of highs and lows, remaining an integral part of English football.

On this week's episode of Random Fandom FC we meet Laurie who is a Crystal Palace fan.

Before we chat to him we have to wrap up last week and see how Shrewsbury Town got on after we spoke to Dan on last week's episode.

He predicted a 2-1 loss away at Reading while I went for a 2-2 draw.

Little bit of a fact sheet for Crystal Palace...

Crystal Palace Football Club, based in South London, has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1861. Originally an amateur club, it became a professional outfit in 1905 and has since competed in the top two tiers of English football. The club's most notable achievement came in the 1990-91 season when they finished third in the First Division, narrowly missing out on a UEFA Cup spot due to England's unranked status in European competitions at the time.

Over the years, Crystal Palace has produced several famous players who have left a lasting impact on the club. Wilfried Zaha, known for his incredible dribbling skills and pace, has been a standout performer in recent years. Ian Wright, a prolific striker, also made a significant mark during his time at Selhurst Park. Andy Johnson, another key player, helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2004 and remains a club legend.

The club has had its share of big stories, including their two FA Cup final appearances. In 1990, they reached the final but lost to Manchester United in a replay in what was Fergie’s “sliding door” moment. The run to the final included a thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool at Villa park in the semi.

More recently, in 2016, they again reached the final but were defeated by Manchester United once more. Despite these setbacks, Crystal Palace has maintained its place in the Premier League since 2013, showcasing their resilience and determination.

On this week's episode of Random Fandom FC we meet Dan who is a Shrewsbury Town fan.

Before we chat to him we have to wrap up last week and see how Aston Villa got on after we spoke to Mike on last week's episode.

He predicted a 2-1 win over Spurs in the FA Cup while I went for a 1-0 Villa win.

Little bit of a fact sheet for Shrewsbury...

Shrewsbury Town FC—nicknamed The Shrews—is a professional football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Founded in 1886, the club has a long history in the English Football League and currently competes in EFL League One. They play their home games at Montgomery Waters Meadow, a modern 10,000-seater stadium that replaced the historic Gay Meadow in 2007.

Throughout their history, The Shrews have experienced highs and lows, moving between divisions and earning a reputation as a resilient side. Their best spell in the league system saw them spend ten seasons in the old Second Division (now the Championship) between 1979 and 1989. In recent years, they’ve established themselves as a solid League One side, often flirting with the play-offs but yet to secure promotion to the second tier in the modern era.

The club has enjoyed some memorable cup runs, with their best FA Cup performance coming in 1979 when they reached the quarter-finals, knocking out teams like Manchester City along the way. More recently, they’ve put up spirited performances against Premier League opposition, holding the likes of Liverpool and West Ham to draws in the competition. Their only major trophy to date is the EFL Trophy, which they won in 1996 after defeating Rotherham United at Wembley.

Shrewsbury’s fanbase is known for its loyalty and passion, with rivalries against Walsall and, historically, Wolverhampton Wanderers adding an edge to certain fixtures. The club’s identity is built around a hardworking, disciplined style of play, often punching above their weight against bigger clubs in the division.

While they may not have the financial clout of some of their League One counterparts, The Shrews continue to prove themselves as a well-run, competitive side. With a strong foundation and ambitions to return to the Championship, Shrewsbury remains a club that consistently challenges expectations and upsets the odds.