Moore defence for Butcher

Oldham boss Ronnie Moore has leapt to the defence of under-fire Richard Butcher.

The 24-year-old only arrived at Boundary Park in the summer, from Lincoln, but has seen himself become a victim of abuse from the club's supporters.

Butcher has now returned to Sincil Bank, on loan, as he looks to rebuild his confidence - although a permanent arrangement has been mooted.

Latics chief Moore believes the abuse dished out was unreasonable, particularly in the club's recent 4-0 defeat at Barnsley.

"The abuse he got at Barnsley was terrible," said Moore.

"We conceded three goals in six minutes, but Richard was no worse than anyone else.

"It got to the stage where the referee yellow carded him and our fans were shouting 'off, off' and that was out of order.

"He's obviously low on confidence so we decided to get him out on loan and to be fair there was a lot of interest.

"Shrewsbury, Bournemouth and Scunthorpe were all interested as well as Lincoln. I hope it works out for him."

Meanwhile, Moore has taken on a pair of trialists as he looks to rejuvenate the club's stagnated start to the season.

Lance Cronin, a 20-year-old goalkeeper arrives after a trial at Brighton, whilst former Burnley defender Neil Trottman will also be looking to earn a permanent stay at the League One outfit.