Oldham began inconsistently in the league before a poor run of form before Christmas 2012 led to Dickov's coaching team being placed on gardening leave.

[1] Victories over Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the FA Cup followed but after a run of one point from nine games, Dickov resigned as manager on 3 February 2013.

[2] Tony Philliskirk took over as caretaker manager and Matt Smith's last minute equaliser earned Philliskirk's men an FA Cup fifth round replay against Everton which Everton ultimately won 3–1.

It was the furthest that the Latics had progressed in the FA Cup since reaching the semi-final in 1994.

Oldham finished the season in 19th position and with many of his first team squad out of contract, Johnson faced a summer of rebuilding in preparation for the 2013-14 season.