Their own ground in their own town — fans

LATICS STADIUM FALLOUT

LATICS fans across the borough are adjusting to the news that their club’s new stadium dreams are once again lying in tatters.

Lewis Jones talked to shoppers in Oldham town centre to find out their thoughts.
Lifelong Latics fan Jeff Sinclair (51) has spent many a happy hour at Boundary Park supporting his side.

He said: “I think they have got to try and redevelop Boundary Park.

“That or they have either got to look around Oldham for another site.

“I’ve supported the team for over 40 years, it keeps the town together and gives people a focus.

“I think moving to Failsworth would have been too far away and they have got to give it another go where they are first.

“I’ll definitely stick by them though.”

Gary Leese (47), from Chadderton, used to be a steward at the club during the Joe Royle era in the 1980 and 90s.

He has also followed the club for almost 30 years and said: “Moving the club to Failsworth would have been like Oldham not having a team, it’s like sticking Manchester City in London.

“I used to run a newsagents and when Oldham Athletic won a trophy we did a big window display, it went down really well and people loved it.

Represents
“Obviously they need decent players but above all they need a good ground. They need to put money into building back up the club and making the right improvements.”

Luke Royales (26) has a ticket for the game against Dagenham and Redbridge at Boundary Park tomorrow.

He said: “I think they should do with what they have got. I go to watch them every few months and I think it would be too far to go to Failsworth.

“You’ve got to support your home town and hopefully they will never give up.

“Having a local team truly represents Oldham.”

Keith Grimshaw and Beryl Walker live in Manchester and were visiting the town centre for the day.

Keith (56), who used to live in the town, said: “I’ve quite often been down to Oldham with my sons and been to matches.

“I wouldn’t like the football club to go the same way as the rugby club went when they sold that off.

“I think they should have their own ground in their own town. It needs the money and it needs people to get behind the club.

“I think a move to Failsworth would be encroaching on City territory.”

Avis Morris (78) is from Royton and has lived in the borough all her life. She is worried about the club’s future. She said: “I think it’s a disgrace, Oldham needs a football club.

“My disabled grandson is a big fan and his carer takes him to the games, if they move to Failsworth he won’t be able to go.

“Having a town team is a morale booster, if Boundary Park goes they won’t get it back.”

Seventeen-year-old football fan Liam Grogan, from Chadderton, said: “I think it’s a family experience going to games at Oldham, I used to go with my dad.

“Latics do good with the youth club but until they start playing big league football I don’t see much point in a new ground. They need to fill a stadium first.”

When asked why Latics were suffering from a lack of supporters, he said: “People watch bigger league football and it is easier to watch games in your home.”