Corney working to improve club’s fortunes — Trust

Simon Corney

TRUST Oldham’s Athletic board representative Simon Brooke has told supporters that despite the club’s recent difficulties, club owner Simon Corney “has the club firmly at heart”.

Brooke — a fan and season ticket holder since 1988 — answered questions by fellow supporters troubled by Athletic’s direction..

“In our view, Simon Corney is still very much working to try to improve the fortunes of our club 12 years after first becoming involved,” said Brooke. “We (the trust) haven’t always agreed with some decisions, and we will continue to challenge these when and where necessary. The trust is currently working harder than ever on behalf of our members and all fans.

“We hope his commitment to the club continues until new owners are found that can put significant investment into the club.”

The club’s financial records show a charge of £241,000 was recently made to a third-party company Necarcu Ltd of Liverpool, at an interest rate of 4.5 per cent - causing some concern among fans.

“That charge could disappear at some point over the coming months,” said Brooke. We remain vigilant, but we are assured this is well planned and therefore not overly concerning.”

The Trust’s representative on the club’s board also clarified the position on landowners Brass Bank Ltd and the lease on the ground.

“Since 2004 Brass Bank has ‘owned’ the land on which Boundary Park and the car park stands,” he said.

“They also own the other parcels of land around the footprint. This isn’t new news, as it was one of the first moves the ‘Three Amigos’ took when they took on the club.

“That’s a commercial decision they made, and as such the reasons remain theirs. The 20-year lease Neil Joy mentioned was a renewal of the lease, which took place in 2011. The agreement ends in July 2031. This ensures Oldham Athletic have a home.”