Owner's 'deep sadness' following Athletic's relegation

Athletic owner Abdallah Lemsagam has spoken of his 'deep sadness' at the club's relegation into League Two, and he insists he is 'fully committed' to getting the club back into the EFL's third tier as soon as possible.

Richie Wellens' team were sent tumbling into League Two on Saturday as their draw at Northampton wasn't enough to prevent local rivals Rochdale leap-frogging them out of the drop zone as they defeated Charlton at the Crown Oil Arena on a dramatic final day.

Mr Lemsagam, who took over the Boundary Park reins in January, has now issued a statement, detailing his feeling of shock after the weekend's event.

Mr Lemsagam said: "Let me start by expressing my deep sadness to all of our fans for what turned out to be an unexpected final day of the season.

"I am so disappointed for our club to experience relegation.

"It was not what I thought would happen with the major investment I injected into the club and the playing squad we made available.

"I saw at Northampton the disappointment on fans faces and many shedding a tear and that hurt me.

"I know just how much the club means to so many.

"I have to take a major part in the responsibility for what has happened since I took control of the club in late January 2018.

"When I came on board I had big ambitions and my priority was to focus our efforts in the sporting side and implement a strategy to push the club high up the ladder closer to safety.

"Unfortunately I was shocked with the amount of obstacles we have faced away from the pitch which consumed a lot of our time, energy and resources to fix the mess and stabilise the club.

"I want to assure you that I am fully committed to getting the club back into League One as soon as possible, and carrying on upwards.

"I received some pointed messages after the Northampton game but many more of encouragement and support.

"Relegation has only strengthened my resolve to reverse the trend that the club has faced these past few years."

Mr Lemsagam added: "I now have the opportunity in the close season to take a thorough look at every aspect of the club to see where we can improve.

"Above all, I want to ensure we have the solid foundations and infrastructure in place to take our club forward.

"I am aware that the club has been short of investment over the past few years and I hope that, with careful planning and some patience, we can rebuild this club and grow together."

On a more positive note, Mr Lemsagam has spoken of the encouragement he has taken from the performances of some of Athletic's younger players during the final months of the doomed 2017/18 campaign.

The club's owner added: "We have to make more use of our Academy, and the recent displays by George Edmundson and Tom Hamer (above) shows that our players have the necessary desire, energy and skills to play at the highest level.

"It has given the fans and us something to look forward to and I am sure there are more youngsters in the town of Oldham and the surrounding areas that we can find to develop into first team players."

Finally, Mr Lemsagam has vowed to try and nurture an ever-closer relationship with the club's dedicated and loyal fans.

He said: "The club must also get closer to our fans.

"I know you are the lifeblood of this club and I have been amazed at the numbers of you that have travelled to away games and created a great atmosphere.

"I want to do everything I can to help you create that same atmosphere at Boundary Park.

"As fans, players, staff and Directors, we can rely on our shared values to drive us forward.

"Together we can succeed."