Scottish defender Jimmy Frizzell took on a player-manager position during the 1969-70 season and, against all odds, led the Latics to an emphatic promotion the following season. Back in the Third Division, a mid-table finish was achieved in 1972 before the Latics missed out on promotion by just three points the following season. An incredible run of ten consecutive league wins during the 1973-74 season (still a club record to this day) laid the foundations for Oldham to win the Third Division title and discover themselves back in the Second Division for the first occasion since 1954.

Frizzell did a great job of keeping the Latics away from relegation danger at this higher level, despite tighter finances and lesser gates than many of their rivals. It was therefore a surprise that, in 1982 after twelve highly successful years in charge, the popular Scotsman was dismissed. He had, however, laid the foundations for what was to happen.