Latics procession planned for first home game

Oldham Athletic is planning “New Era” procession down Sheepfoot Lane for the opening home game against Dorking on Saturday.

Announcing the plan today, the club’s owner, Frank Rothwell, will head the procession accompanied by his wife Judith.

The event is planned from 3:30pm at the top of Sheepfoot Lane, with the procession setting off at 4pm.

The front of the procession will be at Cumberland Drive and the back at Rochdale Road end at the mini roundabout in front of the ground.  The procession  should  disperse at the mini roundabout to allow supporters through.

Frank asks: "The older, infirmed, wheel chairs and parents with young children who want to take part in  this momentous event,  please join at the top or Sheepfoot Lane  at Rochdale Road.”

Greenfield Brass Band will head the procession and Frank said: “I’ve  told the band to play loud so supporters at the back can hear and the ladies in the maternity wards at  Boundary Park hospital will be distracted from their labours and wishing they could join us.”

Accompanying Frank and Judith will be Amanda Chadderton Leader of Oldham Council and Arooj Shah the former leader of the Authority.    

Other dignitaries, community leaders and religious leaders of Oldham will also be joining in.

Frank says there will be plenty of time to get into Boundary Park before the 5:20 kick off and listen to Greenfield Brass Band and Maddison who will sing the National Anthem.   

He adds: “There is time to visit the new, yet unnamed, supporters  bar on the ground level in the Joe Royle Stand.

“I welcome new era banners and dont want banners to mention the past. What has happened in the past is history,  Do not dwell on it,  lets move on.
                 
“We are on a new journey and in a new era. We have a good strong squad who want to win, and a first class manager who we all love.

"I want the nation to know that with this level of love and support, Oldham Athletic will not be in the National league for long.

"We will have the world watching us on BT sport  so lets be orderly and respectful to everyone but a few, 'who  are you' and the like will not go amiss.

“Make sure you record North West Tonight and Granada Reports so you can watch our procession when you get home over and over again and be proud to be a Latics supporter.”

Frank says he wants "no flares or fireworks" but plenty of "singing, banners and flat caps both on the procession and  in the ground."

"I do not want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt at our club.  If you see someone with a flare,  take a photograph and send it to me.

"There will be stewards managing traffic and safety.  Please abide with their requests."

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