Celebration time as Rothwell family announce complete Boundary Park purchase

Date published: 23 March 2023


Latics' famous old Boundary Park stadium, and the land around it, will be officially placed into the hands of the club's ownership, the Rothwell family, tomorrow (Friday).

Local businessman Frank Rothwell became Latics’ new chairman last July after previous owner Abdallah Lemsagam and Simon Blitz, who owns landlords Brass Bank Ltd, agreed to “make significant compromises to enable the sale of Oldham Athletic Football Club and Boundary Park Stadium to be consolidated under one single ownership."

Now that goal of securing single ownership has almost been reached, as the Rothwell family confirmed in a club statement this afternoon (Thursday).

The message from the Rothwell family read: "It is with great pride that on Friday 24 March 2023 we will have successfully achieved the initial aim of bringing the club and its home, Boundary Park, and surrounding land under single ownership.

"Huge thanks and gratitude to Simon Blitz and Danny Gazal.

"They have been extremely patient, trusted us 100% and honoured the handshake on 9 May 2022. They have been incredible and are forever welcome to Boundary Park. True gentlemen.

"This is something to celebrate so come down to Boundary Park and party this Saturday when we welcome Solihull Moors, kick off 3pm but come down early for the atmosphere.

"We are fully committed to make Oldham Athletic a club which is welcoming for the whole community so come down with your kids, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours.

"If they have never been, even better.

"With Oldham’s support we will make Oldham Athletic and Boundary Park a place we are all proud of. 

Latics chairman Frank Rothwell

"The opportunity created by having the club, Boundary Park including ‘Little Wembley’, car park and surrounding land under single ownership, is huge.

"The recent announcement of the incredible £1 million investment from Oldham Council and the return of Rugby League is just the start.

"We are constantly looking at opportunities that would enable us to improve and extend the facilities that we can provide for the benefit of all Oldhamers.

"For now let’s celebrate and enjoy having a forever home.

"It is important to thank the amazing work by Marion Brewer, Philip Parkes and the teams of accountants and advisors at RSM.

"Karen Proctor, Rachel Mcilroy and Jonathan Edwards from Knights our legal advisors have brought a level of intellect and dedication we have never experienced before.

"Karen worked every day of a family holiday, not something we encourage but we are grateful for.

"Due diligence of the highest order, we do things proper!

"Not wanting to make this sound like a speech at the Oscars, none of this would have happened without the relentless work of Darren Royle, Peter Norbury and our team.

"We are very fortunate to work with you all.

"Frank, Luke and Su."


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