Paul Black

Oldham Athletic

Growing up to have the dream to become a footballer, Black was a product of the Manchester City FC's youth system before joining Oldham Athletic and becoming a regular in the starting eleven during the 2006–07 season, becoming a captain for the youth squad. In November 2007, he was included in the senior team for the first time but was not used as a substitute in a 2–2 draw versus Doncaster Rovers. On 16 January 2008, Black signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Oldham Athletic. His first appearance came on 29 March 2008 as he came on in the 76th minute as a substitute during a 4–1 rout of Huddersfield Town. He joined Barrow A.F.C. on a one-month loan deal on 22 August 2008, though it was later extended until 5 January 2009. However, he rejoined Oldham on 1 January 2009, becoming a first team regular under manager Dave Penney during the latter half of the 2009–10 season and then scored his first goal, in a 2–2 draw against Southend United on 24 April 2010, which led Southend United relegated to League Two. The following season he continued to hold down a regular place under new manager Paul Dickov, starting most of Oldham's league matches in the left back position, and being offered a new contract in May 2011 After a similar start to the 2011–12 season, injury kept him out from the end of August until November. He made his return, setting up one of the goals, in a 5–2 win against Chesterfield on 19 November 2011 and then won his place back, but a…