 In the summer of 1957, Spurdle was sold back to Oldham Athletic for £1,000, who were still competing in the Third Division North.They finished 15th in 1957–58, one point below the Third Division threshold, and as a result Ted Goodier was replaced as manager by Norman Dodgin.Oldham declined further and finished 21st in 1958–59, the inaugural season of the Fourth Division, and were forced to apply for re-election.