More than 30 years on, during which the club has suffered four relegations, a torried ownership and miserable periods of form, the Latics head to Wembley today (Sunday, June 1) for the club's biggest game in decades.
Any Oldham fan will tell you how dark periods of the club's recent history have been, but that will all be an afterthought with a win today.
Oldham is enjoying its best spell as a club in yearsOldham is enjoying its best spell as a club in years (Image: Phill Smith)
The Oldham Times has looked at the club's history in the last seven years, which has included the darkest days in the club's history, a complete turnaround in culture and the club's biggest game in years.
May 2018 - Relegation to League 2
Just months after Moroccan football agent Abdallah Lemsagam took majority control of the Oldham Athletic, the club was relegated to League 2, returning to the fourth tier for the first time since the early 1970s.
Mancunian Richie Wellens had been unable to keep them up during the 2017-18 season, and was replaced by Frankie Bunn that summer.
August 2018 to August 2020 - Stuck in fourth division
During the two season between 2018 and 2020, Oldham finish 14th and 19th, cycling through six managers in that period.
The period will be best remembered for the 31-day managerial stint of Manchester United legend and Oldhamer Paul Scholes, who took charge for seven games in total, recording one win.
Paul Scholes' brief tenure at Oldham was far from memorablePaul Scholes' brief tenure at Oldham was far from memorable (Image: Phill Smith)
August 2020 to Janaury 2022 - No signs of improvement
The cycle of managers continues for Oldham, starting with former Leeds United and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, who doesn't last a full season, before he is replaced by Keith Curle.
Keith Curle was in charge for less than a yearKeith Curle was in charge for less than a year (Image: Oldham Athletic)
Of the pitch, the fans' frustration with the Lemsagam ownership continues to grow.
January 2022 - Sheridan returns
With the club battling relegation, ownership turns to club legend John Sheridan, who returns for his fourth managerial stint at the club.
He is given one task: keeping the club in the Football League.
Fans called their four-time manager 'Shez'Fans called their four-time manager 'Shez'
April 2022 - Oldham relegated to the National League
However, the beloved 'Shez' is unable to keep the Latics up, and following a 2-1 home defeat to Salford City on April 23, Oldham become the first former Premier League team to drop into non-league.
The match is interrupted by fans who storm the pitch to protest against the Lemsagam ownership, and the match is ultimately finished behind closed doors.
Fans stormed the pitch as the Latics dropped out of the Football LeagueFans stormed the pitch as the Latics dropped out of the Football League
While Boundary Park is bathed in spring sunshine, the club endures its darkest day.
July 2022 - Rothwell takeover
As the club stares into the abyss of non-league football, there is some positive news.
Following months of fan protests against the club's ownership, local businessman Frank Rothwell is announced as the new owner of Oldham, buying the club and Boundary Park with it.
Fans gather outside the ground in jubilation and greet the news with delight.
Frank Rothwell took Oldham over, with Darren Royle, son of the great Joe, as chief executiveFrank Rothwell took Oldham over, with Darren Royle, son of the great Joe, as chief executive (Image: Oldham Athletic)
September 2022 to October 2023 - Unsworth takes charge
Replacing Sheridan early in the season is former Everton and Sheffield United defender David Unsworth.
He guides the Latics to a 12th-placed finished in his first season, but following a difficult start to the 2023-24 season, he is let go.
David Unsworth's reign never truly took flightDavid Unsworth's reign never truly took flight (Image: Oldham Athletic)
October 2023 to April 2024 - The Mellon era begins
Replacing Unsworth is veteran manager Micky Mellon, who brings with him a wealth of experience, including five promotions as a manager.
The Latics finish 10th at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Micky Mellon came in with promotion pedigreeMicky Mellon came in with promotion pedigree (Image: Phill Smith)
August 2024 to present - Return to Wembley
Oldham's most positive season in years sees the club finish fifth in the league, meaning they will require two wins to reach a play-off final at Wembley.
Scenes of jubilation at York away as Oldham booked a trip to WembleyScenes of jubilation at York away as Oldham booked a trip to Wembley (Image: Thomas Lee Stacey)
A 4-0 home win against Halifax is followed up with a stunning 3-0 win away to York City, meaning the Latics return to Wembley for the first time in more than 30 years, looking to create history.
Following decades of pain, Oldham has the chance to return to the Football League and cap what has been a superb turnaround from the brink of disaster in recent years.