FILIPE Morais is hoping to roll back the years after returning to Latics – both on and off the field.

The 33-year-old winger is back at Boundary Park after joining on a deadline-day season-long loan from fellow League Two side Crawley Town.

The former Bolton, Bradford and Stevenage man enjoyed a successful spell with Oldham between 2010 and 2012, making 68 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Morais was part of a side holding their own in League One and believes the club now find themselves in a false position at the wrong end of League Two.

He also knows winning football will bring back the crowds, a little more than 3,000 having watched the 1-0 defeat at home to Colchester on Saturday.

“I’m delighted to be back,” said Morais, who links up with former Wanderers team-mate and new Latics skipper David Wheater. 

“When the opportunity arose with Oldham I thought it was great.

“It was a nice fit and I’ve been here before and I enjoyed a good period here.

“It’s a club that should be playing higher.

“I had a look at the attendance for the last game and I think it was 3,000-odd. When I was last here I’m sure it was 5,000.

“I would love to see the fans come back but they will only come back for someone who is willing to fight for the shirt.

“It’s a working-class town and the fans want to see that grit and determination first and foremost.

“I’ll do my very best to get that into the players and pass my experience on.”

Former Chelsea youngster Morais wasn’t the only new arrival on deadline day, joining another wide player in Jonny Smith, signed from Bristol City until the end of the season. 

The 22-year-old was a promotion winner in League Two last season while on loan at Tranmere Rovers, scoring four goals in 36 appearances.

Smith started his career at Wrexham, playing one senior game for the club before moving to the Robins in the summer of 2016.

There was also one departure on Monday as Chris O’Grady was allowed to leave the club to join Bolton.

The 33-year-old scored six times in 23 league appearances after returning to Boundary Park last season but has been out of the picture under new boss Laurent Banide.