'If the cap fits...' Latics fans race to buy Frank-style headgear

The purchase of Oldham Athletic may have been a feather in Frank Rothwell's cap, but now Latics supporters are snapping up replicas of his famous flat cap.

Fans have started wearing the caps as a tribute the club’s new owner, Frank Rothwell - known for his familiar headwear.

And now Chris Riley, a  lifelong Latics supporter and pub landlord, has launched an impromptu 'Flat Cap Club' at The Fox and Pine on Greaves Street.

“We are selling the caps at £5 each — and we can’t buy enough," said Chris

“The first batch of 14 sold in a couple of hours followed by a second batch of 14 which again sold at the same speed. I’d say it’s 50/50 men and women buying them.

“The Flat Cap Club is just adding to the town’s re-energised vibe,” he explained.

“There seems to be a renewed proudness of being from Oldham and the flat cap has caught the mood.

“And, of course, everyone is talking about Frank and the fact he’s saved the club and always wears his own distinctive flat cap.

“My customers are having selfies taken in their caps with each other. The Flat Cap cask ale I’ve put on, sells out in a few hours as well. I’m struggling to keep up with demand.

"And can you imagine if the team went on a decent run?” he mused.

"Hopefully people will understand Frank taking over won’t give instant success on the pitch but I really think it’ll start snowballing into something massive for Latics and the town.

“There is a really upbeat, positive air returning to the town underpinned by announcements of new developments. Latics are a keystone to that mix and I doff my cap to them."

Frank, speaking after his return from Lactics draw at Torquay, said: “I’m really humbled by this gesture. But I’m delighted the whole town is getting behind us.”

And he revealed he’d been approached by more than 20 supporters  all wanting selfies. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. "But I did wear my cap on all the photographs.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.