THE BLUES
As Tilly got a lucky break with JCR going north allowing the gem that is Bailey into the side, the injury to Cheese that allowed the rock that is Richards into the central defensive two was another. A new found stabilty that was more than a match for the Southend 2nd XI. That boy dosen't mess about! Collis taking advantage of little Darryl's back injury didn't do any harm as well.
Of course the star of the show was ex-Oldham loanee Leon Clarke with a goal of Collymore standards before he went off. Even the Prince raised his game to keep MacDonald on the bench, however he still missed a couple of good chances, I think it's omly a matter of time before Mac gets a chance with Clarke who could be another Tilly master stroke on the very small budget Uncle Ron allows his boy.
Good to see Black get a start and, barring any injuries I don't know about, I hope Tilly starts with the same side that started v the Gills. They deserve another chance. Francis must be starting to push Gilbert though, his defensive lapses are starting to appear on a regular basis.
Of course it was never doom and gloom before Gillingham and is not promotion time after it, 10 games at least guys before a reasonable judgement can be made and poor starts have been made before ending with champange in May. However, the game reminded me of the QPR 5-0 match and not only poor Roycey on the receiving end again. That also finished with Shrimper smiles larger than life, Maher had a similar shot in the 2nd half hitting the bar this time instead of scoring, we dominated a poor side and 5-0 would not have been out of place. Look who finished above the Blues then.
I don't for a moment believe Gills will but there were signs when the legend Barratt went walkabout from left back, there was no Gower, and the left side of the pitch just opened up, a good Oldham right winger could spell danger, hell any good right winger. Someone need to cover there. If they do while keeping to the basics that served so well at the weekend I see no reason that the good cheer can't continue, 2-1 Blues then, why not?!
THE OPPOSITION
An inconsistant start for Oldham who lost to Blackpool in the play-offs only a few months ago and start the match on three points and in the bottom 4. Whether the ex-con Lee Hughes can upset our new found defensive stabilty we will have to see.
The team that finished the 1-4 defeat at Hartlepool followed by the match report from our footymad colleagues in Oldham.
Oldham: Crossley, Eardley, Thompson (Trotman 52), Gregan, Bertrand, Liddell (Pearson 52), Kalala (Allott 54), McDonald, Taylor, Davies, Hughes.
Subs Not Used: Pogliacomi, Lomax. Booked: Kalala, McDonald. Goals: Davies 14.
Hartlepool United eased to a comfortable win against an Oldham Athletic side that gave a comeback to striker Lee Hughes. The former West Brom and Coventry City striker was released last month after serving three years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
The home team got an early shock when Oldham took the lead, but quickly came back and finished the match well on top. Craig Davies score the early goal for Athletic, pouncing on an error by Godwin Antwi after 14 minutes to slot the ball under Jan Budtz's body
But within a minute, Pools were level as Andy Monkhouse celebrated his return from suspension with a good run on the right and a low cross that Ian Moore sliced in at the near post. On 26 minutes it all went pear-shaped for Oldham as Tony Sweeney's flick over the defence sent James Brown into the area and his finished well with an angled shot from the right of the area. Three minutes before half-time the game was over as a contest when Sean Gregan up-ended Richie Barker in the area and he got up to slam in his third penalty of the season.
In the second half Oldham tried to come back, but they couldn't create chances apart from one that fell to Hughes on the hour when he was sent racing through the middle, but he snatched at his shot and it whizzed a foot wide of the upright from the edge of the area. That was the end of any Oldham threat and Hartlepool finished them off seven minutes from the end when two substitutes combined for the fourth home goal. David Foley's shot was blocked deep in the area and the ball fell kindly for Joel Porter to score a simple goal with only keeper Mark Crossley to beat.
THE MATCHES
25 matches in total: Won 11 Lost 7 Drawn 7. Not a bad record then and it all kicked off in the F.A. Cup 2nd Round of 1951/52 when on the 15 Dec 1951 at home 13,300 saw us record what turned out to be our biggest win 5-0, Wakefield grabbed a hat trick, Grant & Stubbs the others. This was matched on Sat 27 Feb 1965 in a Division 3 match at Roots Hall when a famous bunch of names, Bradbury(2), Gilfillan(2), Woodley and Smillie all found the net in a 6-1 thrashing. Tuesday the 3rd of March 1970 in Division 4 saw our biggest defeat, 0-3, when only 3,584 turned up at Boundary Park.
It was 12 years after that cup win before we faced the Latics in the league, division 3, and on the 21st of September 1963 at the home of football drew 2-2 in front of 9,968, Beesley and Gilfillan grabbed our goals.
However, it was only 20 months that Sodje made his debut in an exciting goaless draw on Jan. 7 2006. The last time we faced Oldham. Earlier that season, a 5,261 Roots Hall crowd witnessed a 2-1 win, the boy Lawson and Mark Gower the scorers.
THE GROUND
At one end of Boundary Park is the comparatively new Rochdale Road End, a goodsized all seater covered stand with an excellent view of the pitch. It has windshields to either side of it and an electric scoreboard on its roof. Part of this stand is given to away supporters. The other end, the Chadderton Road Stand (also known as the 'Chaddy End'), is a medium sized all seatercovered stand. Again there are windshields to either side, but the elderly nature of this stand is apparent from the supporting pillars running across the front of it. On one side there is an old two tiered Main Stand. This used to have terracing in front, since filled with seating. There is still some old unused terracing on one side of this stand. On the other side is the small Broadway Stand. This is a covered seated stand that doesn't quite run the full length of the pitch. Again there are a number of pillars in the upper tier, where there is also a television gantry suspended beneath its roof. The stand is unusual in giving the impression of being on a slope - the lower tier has more seats on one side than the other. Part of this stand has a Police Control Box, whilst on the other side there is a strange single storey executive box like structure, built on stilts. The ground also benefits from four large floodlight pylons, leaving the visitor in no doubt that this is a football ground. The Club has a mascot called 'Chaddy The Champion Owl'.
The Club have announced plans to re-develop Boundary Park into a new 16,000 all seater stadium, the project of which is being referred to as the' Oldham Arena'. This will include the building of three new stands (the present Rochdale Road End will remain) including a new 5,200 capacity Main Stand. As part of the re-development a 130 room hotel and separate living accommodation will also be built. However, no formal time scales have been announced as to when this might take place. Away fans are housed in the Rochdale Road Stand at one end of the ground, where the normal allocation is 1,800 seats. This can be increased to over 4,000 if required. Dependant on numbers the Rochdale Road End is either given totally to the away support or is shared with home fans. If the latter applies, away fans are kept separate from the home fans by a large moat like gap, which certainly makes for a lot of banter. The facilities in this newish stand are fairly good, as are the acoustics. This club is one of the more friendly ones. They have an unofficial motto that 'the only club we hate is Man United', everyone else is very welcome.
The only complaint you tend to hear about visiting the ground was that it always seems to be cold, with a biting wind that goes right through you. This is due to Oldham being on the edge of the Pennines.
THE PUB
There is a pub 'The Clayton Arms' on one corner of the ground. This small comfortable pub serves Lees beers, reasonably priced food and has a large screen to show SKY Television. It gets extremely busy on matchdays. The Old Grey Mare on Rochdale Road is worth a visit. If you walk to the top of Sheepfoot Lane and turn left at the newspaper shop, the pub is about 100 yards down the road on the right. There's a varied selection of beers available, and again a warm welcome is assured. Further down on the right is The White Hart. If you turn right at the top of Sheepfoot Lane, you'll eventually come to The Queens. It's on the corner of a junction. The beer is good and cheap compared to London prices. Across the road from there is The Royal, which is a cosy little local, and next door is a larger more modern one, the Brook Tavern. The Rifle Range pub on Burnley Road, which is about a ten minute walk away from the ground is a very friendly accommodating pub, with a family room, TV screens, good food and local ale. There is also a beer garden outside, which you can take advantage of, when the weather is good. There is also parking at the back of the pub and is easy to get away after the game onto the A627 which connects to the M62.
If you are arriving by train, there are other pubs you can visit enroute.
THE CAR
Leave the M62 at Junction 20 and take the A627(M) towards Oldham. Take the second slip road off the A627(M) following the signs for Royton (A663). At the top of the slip road you will find a large roundabout that around it has a McDonalds and a KFC. Turn left at the roundabout onto the A663 towards Royton (beware though of 30mph speed cameras on this stretch). You will be able to see Boundary Park over on your right. Take the next right hand turn into Hilbre Avenue which will take you up to the large Club car park, situated behind the Lookers Stand. The cost of the car park is; cars £2, mini buses £5, coaches £10.
If you want to go straight to the Club main entrance, then at the roundabout take the second exit onto A627 Chadderton Way (signposted Oldham).After around 300 yards take the first left into Boundary Park Road and at the end of the road turn right into Sheepfoot Lane.
THE TRAIN
There are three stations that you could use to get to Boundary Park. Oldham Mumps, Oldham Werneth or Mill Hills. However Oldham Mumps and Mill Hills are both around a 45 minute walk away from the ground and are not really practical. Therefore it is best to use Oldham Werneth, which is served by North West Trains on the Oldham Rochdale loop. Trains for Oldham depart from Manchester Victoria platforms 1 or 6. If you buy a ticket to Oldham and arrive from the South at Manchester Piccadilly your fare includes travel on the Metrolink to Victoria station. As you exit the platforms at Piccadilly turn left for the Metrolink station. Take the tram for BURY only to get to Manchester Victoria.
Oldham Werneth station is around a 15 minute walk away from the ground. Exit the station and turn right on to Featherstall Road South and walk for about 3/4 miles through one set of traffic lights and a small roundabout at Tesco until you come to a large roundabout. Turn left onto Chadderton Way (cross over at the underpass as Chadderton Way is a dual carriageway) and follow for another ¼ miles until you come to Boundary Park Road (by the B&Q Warehouse) turn right and Boundary Park is ahead. You will be approaching the ground from the home supporters end, so at the end of Boundary Park Road turn right up Sheepfoot Lane past the main stand to the other end of the ground. It is extremely unusual for any taxi's to be at Werneth station.
As you walk along Featherstall Road away from Werneth station, you will encounter quite a few Indian restaurants and pubs, which are worth a visit. Turn right from the station and walk until you come to Tesco's at the top of the road. Turn left at the dual-carriageway, and Boundary Park is on the right. Again, there are several pubs on the way, the best being The Spinners across from the dual-carriageway".
Alternatively, rather than getting a train from Manchester to Oldham, you may find it easier to take a bus from Manchester Piccadilly Bus Station. Services operate every 15 minutes or so on Saturday afternoon. Numbers 24, 181 & 182 make the 25 minute trip to Oldham and go past the ground. Doing this would allow you to nip into the Rifle Range pub on Burnley Lane, where the beer is both good and cheap.
THE HISTORY
The club's nickname is "Latics", a shortening of the word 'Athletic', a name also shared by near neighbours Wigan Athletic
The club was formed in 1895 and originally known as Pine Villa F.C., changing the club name in 1899. Oldham joined the Football League in 1907/08 and were promoted to the top flight a couple of years later.
The current limited company was formed after some months in administration (near-bankruptcy) during 2003-04; the club's immediate future was secured on 3 February 2004, when a group of American-based expatriate British businessmen bought the club, forming a new company Oldham Athletic (2004) Association Football Club Ltd.
In June 2006 manager Ronnie Moore formerly of Rotherham United, was replaced by John Sheridan due to poor season ticket sales. In late February 2005, the previous manager, Brian Talbot, left by mutual consent after a poor run of defeats.
Oldham have never won a major trophy, but they did reach the League Cup final in 1990 (losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest), finished league runners-up in 1915, and were F.A Cup semi-finalists in 1913 (losing to Aston Villa), 1990 and 1994 (losing both times to eventual winners Manchester United). Their most recent spell in the top flight lasted from 1991 until 1994, and on the final day of the inaugural Premiership season (1992-93) they avoided relegation on goal difference after a remarkable 4-3 win over Southampton.
Significant former managers of Oldham Athletic include Ronnie Moore, Iain Dowie, Brian Talbot, Neil Warnock, Joe Royle and Jimmy Frizzell. Royle was arguably the most successful manager in Oldham's history, taking charge of the club between 1982 and 1994. He helped them achieve promotion, reach one League Cup final and two F.A Cup semi finals.
Scottish international striker Graeme Sharp <, signed from Everton in 1991, was Oldham's player-manager from 1994 to 1997. Other famous players to wear the Oldham shirt include Andy Ritchie (who was manager from 1998 to 2001), Earl Barrett Denis Irwin, Gunnar Halle and Mike Milligan.
After their formation in 1895, and the attaining of professional status in 1899, the Latics played in the local Manchester leagues before gaining entry into the Football League Second Division in 1907. Unlike many clubs, Oldham adapted to their new league status well, finishing in third position in their first league season, missing out on promotion by only two points and boasting an unbeaten home record. After another high finish the following season, the club gained its first ever promotion, finishing ahead of Hull City by virtue of a superior goal average.
In their first ever top flight campaign the Latics again adapted well, finishing in seventh position. After a narrow escape from relegation during the 1911-12 season, the club recovered to reach the FA Cup semi-final in 1913 and achieve a high mid-table finish, followed by a top four placing in the 1913-14 season. The outbreak of the First World War coincided with the Latics' best ever league season - the club finishing runners up to Everton after losing their final two games of the 1914-15 season.
Unfortunately for Oldham, the outbreak of war in Europe forced the domestic English league to be suspended in 1915, and by the time it resumed in 1919, many of the players who had taken the Latics to the brink of the championship had either retired from football or been killed during the war. From this, the club never really recovered and, after battling valiantly against relegation for several seasons, the inevitable relegation finally arrived in 1923 - the club's last top flight game coming away at Cardiff City - a game that would prove to be their last top flight game for 68 years.
Back in the second division for the first time since 1910, Oldham finished around the top half for several seasons before narrowly missing out on promotion by two points in 1930 to Chelsea. Mid-table finishes followed until 1935 when the club finished 21st in table and were relegated to the Third Division (North) for the first time in their history. Successive top five finishes occurred at the new lower level until the outbreak of the Second World War saw the cancellation of the domestic league programme.
Again, the outbreak of war hit Oldham hard and, as with the First World War, the club's results deteriorated significantly when the football league resumed finishing in 19th position in the first post-war league season. Disappointing mid-table finishes followed in the subsequent seasons before the signing of former England international George Hardwick as player-manager in 1950 proved the catalyst to a promotion as Third Division (North) champions in 1953. Hopes were again high at Boundary Park but the Latics slumped to relegation after only one season back in the higher tier. Only 25 points were gained from 42 games and 17 of 21 away games ended in defeat.
Back in the Third Division (North) after only one season, Oldham found themselves established in midtable in the division until 1958 when the club's 15th place finish meant that they became founder members of the new nationalized Fourth Division, two years later having the embarrassment of having to apply for re-election to the Football League with only Hartlepool United finishing below them.
The arrival of Ken Bates as chairman during the 1960s saw an upturn in the club's fortunes and promotion to the Third Division was achieved in 1963 under the management of Jack Rowley. Despite chairman Bates' financial ability to purchase players, narrow escapes from relegation occurred in 1965 and 1966, before the inevitable relegation back to the basement division finally occurred in 1969. With this, Bates left the club, and the result was a poor financial situation and a low finish in the Fourth Division in 1970.
Scottish defender Jimmy Frizzell took on a player-manager role during the 1969-70 season and, against all odds, led the Latics to an emphatic promotion the following season. Back in the Third Division, a mid-table finish was achieved in 1972 before the Latics missed out on promotion by just three points the following season. An incredible run of ten consecutive league wins during the 1973-74 season (still a club record to this day) laid the foundations for Oldham to win the Third Division title and find themselves back in the Second Division for the first time since 1954.
Frizzell did an excellent job of keeping the Latics away from relegation danger at this higher level, despite tighter finances and lesser gates than many of their rivals. It was therefore a shock that, in 1982 after twelve highly successful years in charge, the popular Scotsman was sacked. He had, however, laid the foundations for what was to come.
One of the most successful and also longest-serving managers in Oldham Athletics' history was Joe Royle, who took over from Jimmy Frizzell as manager just before the start of the 1982-83 season. Royle's first four seasons in charge resulted in moderate midtable finishes before the first signs of success arrived during the 1986-87 season.
That season the club finished third in the Second Division on their new artificial astroturf surface, a position which would have been good enough for automatic promotion in any of the previous thirteen seasons. Unfortunately for Oldham, the 1986-87 season saw the introduction of the promotion play-offs, and they were eventually defeated by Leeds United on the away goals ruling in the play-off semi-final. Two more moderate seasons of football followed before the highly exciting and surprising 1989-90 season transported Oldham into the footballing spotlight for the first time in decades.
The 1989-90 season begin in non-descript fashion for the Latics - an opening day 1-0 defeat at near neighbours Blackburn Rovers, home draws against Swindon Town and Watford, and another narrow away defeat at Newcastle United gave no inkling of the excitement to come. The Oldham squad largely consisted of bargain buys and free transfers, the most expensive player being left winger Rick Holden - a £165,000 summer capture from Watford. Andy Rhodes and Jon Hallworth the goalkeeper spot; Andy Holden, and the versatile Ian Marshall made up the defence; Neil Adams, Mike Milligan, Nicky Henry, Rick Holden, and Neil Redfearn contested the midfield spots; and the legendary Andy Ritchie, Frankie Bunn, and record goalscorer Roger Palmer completed the attack.
After finally achieving their first win of the season 3-2 at home to Plymouth Argyle, Oldham began the first of their incredible cup runs by beating Leeds United 4-2 on aggregate in the First Round of the League Cup (then named the Littlewoods Cup). The Second Round saw the Latics pitted against Scarborough - the surprise conquerors of First Division Chelsea in the previous round. On an unforgettable night for all, striker Frankie Bunn scored six goals - still a League Cup record - as Scarborough were thrashed 7-0, the other goal coming from the right boot of the prolific Andy Ritchie. The club were in the Second Division promotion play-off zone by the time League champions Arsenal arrived for the League Cup Third Round. Another unforgettable night was in store for the 15,000 plus Oldham fans in that night's crowd as the champions were beaten 3-1. Andy Ritchie was again the hero scoring two superb goals which were sandwiched by young midfielder Nicky Henry's 30 yard strike which beat John Lukic in the Arsenal goal.
The win set up the Latics' first ever Quarter Final appearance in the League Cup where they were handed a tough away trip to top flight Southampton - a side lying sixth in their division at that point in time. Matthew Le Tissier gave his Southampton side an early lead before Andy headed in an equalizer with just under ten minutes remaining. Another Le Tissier goal from the penalty spot with five minutes left on the clock seemed to have won the tie for the Saints before Ritchie stuck out a boot to Rick Holden's drilled cross to equalize in the fourth minute of injury time and set up a replay back at Boundary Park. The replay saw a comfortable 2-0 win for Oldham with goals coming from a deft Ritchie header and a superbly orchestrated move which captain Mike Milligan finished off.
The semi-finals followed and the vast majority of the 20,000 capacity crowd at Boundary Park were sent home delighted when the Latics beat Second Division promotion rivals West Ham United by an incredible 6-0 scoreline in the first leg. Neil Adams opened the scoring early on, and goals from Ritchie (2), Earl Barrett, Roger Palmer and Rick Holden followed. The 3-0 second leg defeat at West Ham's Upton Park ground proved irrelevant and Oldham were on their way to Wembley for the first time in their 95 year history - their opponents to be Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest.
At the same time however, Oldham had started another excellent cup run, this time in the form of the FA Cup. Few would have expected such an occurrence when Third Division Birmingham City took a 1-0 lead at their St. Andrews ground in the Third Round of that year's competition, but a late equalizer from Frankie Bunn led to a replay at Boundary Park. The replay seemed to be heading for another stalemate before Rick Holden scored an excellent solo goal, weaving through the Birmingham defence, to give the Latics a 1-0 win and set up a Fourth Round tie at home to Second Division Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton took a first half lead before two goals in a minute from Scott McGarvey and Andy Ritchie gave Oldham a hard fought 2-1 win. Everton, at the time one of the leading English clubs, were the visitors to Boundary Park for the Fifth round tie, and raced into a 2-0 half time lead thanks to goals from Tony Cottee and future Oldham player/manager Graeme Sharp. A second half fight back saw the underdogs claim an incredible draw thanks to an Andy Ritchie penalty and a late Roger Palmer header. The replay at Goodison Park was again a draw - ex-Evertonian Ian Marshall's close range header for Oldham being cancelled out by a disputed Kevin Sheedy penalty. Another replay was required, and this time Oldham prevailed - a Roger Palmer goal and an Ian Marshall penalty cancelling out Tony Cottee's early strike to give Oldham a 2-1 win and hand them another home tie, this time against First Division leaders Aston Villa. The Villains were however sent crashing out of the cup - losing 3-0 to Rick Holden's 20-yard effort, Neil Redfearn's close range finish and a Chris Price own goal. The Latics' first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1913 saw them pitted against old local rivals Manchester United at Manchester City's Maine Road ground.
Despite talk in the press of Oldham struggling away from their artificial home surface, the game against their more illustrious neighbours was a classic. Earl Barrett tapped in from close range to give the Latics the lead after just five minutes before Bryan Robson's goal for United led to the sides going in at the half-time break level at 1-1. Neil Webb's goal for United with under twenty minutes remaining looked to have won the tie for the Red Devils but an Ian Marshall volley just five minutes later pegged United back. With the game going into extra time a Danny Wallace goal for United again looked to have won it, before Latics stalwart Roger Palmer popped up late in the second half of extra time to score yet another equalizer and tie the game at 3-3.
The replay was just as exciting, although it proved to be controversial. Brian McClair gave United a second half lead before Andy Ritchie stunned his old side with an equalizer ten minutes from time. Sadly for the Latics there was to be no fairytale ending and Mark Robins, born in nearby Ashton-under-Lyne, a man who was to prove to be the club's nemesis over the years, scored a winner late in extra time for the Manchester side. However, it was later proven on subsequent TV replays that a Nick Henry effort in the first half had clearly crossed the line, but referee Joe Worrall, himself a United season ticket holder, failed to award the goal.
Despite the heartbreak of the FA Cup Semi-Final, Oldham still had their first ever Wembley appearance to look forward to in the League Cup Final. The Latics' exhausted squad however fell to an honourable 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
The club's 19 cup appearances that season had left them with a fixture backlog in their league campaign and they were left with an uphill struggle to make the end of season play-offs, bravely falling short at the final hurdle. An incredible season had left the Latics empty handed, but hopes were high for a promotion assault the following season.
The 1990-91 season culminated with the Latics regaining their top flight status for the first time in 68 years. Oldham were never out of the top two in the league all season and guaranteed promotion with a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town with four games remaining. The last day of the season saw the Latics entertain Sheffield Wednesday at home, themselves already promoted. The Latics still harboured hopes of winning the Second Division title, but for this to happen they needed to beat the Owls at home and hope that rivals West Ham United failed to beat fourth placed Notts County. This scenario looked highly unlikely when Wednesday raced into a two goal lead, but goals from Ian Marshall and 17-year-old debutant Paul Bernard levelled the game and set up a tense finish. In an incredible twist of events, Athletic were awarded a 92nd minute penalty following a foul by future Oldham legend John Sheridan. Neil Redfearn had the task of scoring, and in extremely tense circumstances scored to give the game, and Second Division Championship to Oldham.
The following season in their first top flight campaign since 1923, the Latics achieved a comfortable midtable position, never in any danger of being dragged into the relegation battle.
In the first ever season of the Premier League (1992-93); Oldham Athletic gained 49 points from 42 fixtures to stay up by the narrowest of margins. With three games remaining, the Latics had attained 40 points and looked doomed, lying second from bottom in the table. For the club to survive relegation, three wins from their final three matches were required, and the Latics had to bank on Crystal Palace gaining no more than one point from their final two matches. Oldham's first game of the final trio was away at second placed Aston Villa - a side who had to win to have any hope of winning that year's title. In a battling display, Latics stalwart Nick Henry scored the winner midway through the first half, a shock result but one that gave hope to an unlikely escape and clinched the first title for 27 years for Manchester United. Three days later Liverpool were beaten 3-2 at Boundary Park, whilst Crystal Palace could only draw at Manchester City. This led to a scenario by which for Oldham to survive, they had to beat fellow strugglers Southampton at home and hope that Crystal Palace were defeated at Arsenal's Highbury ground. Oldham eventually won 4-3 despite leading 4-1 at one stage, whilst Palace lost 2-0 at Arsenal, meaning that the Eagles were relegated on goal difference.
Oldham reached another F.A Cup semi-final in 1993-94, again facing Manchester United. The match, at Wembley Stadium, looked to be going Oldham's way, with Oldham holding a 1-0 lead until Manchester United's Mark Hughes scored a last gasp equalizer in the penultimate minute of extra time. A poor performance in the replay at Maine Road ended Oldham's hopes, and culminated in a disastrous run of results, with the Latics' failing to win any of their remaining seven fixtures. A month later they were relegated from the Premier League after three seasons in the top flight. It is argued by many Oldham fans that the team never recovered from the Mark Hughes goal.
An interesting piece of trivia is that Oldham defeated Chelsea four times (from six meetings ) between 1991 and 1994 - a fact that many would now consider astounding when viewing the two clubs' current league status.
Joe Royle was lured to Everton in October 1994 and 34-year-old striker Graeme Sharp was appointed Oldham's player-manager. Sharp was unable to turn Oldham into genuine promotion contenders, despite most of the Premiership era squad still being on the club's payroll and, with another relegation battle looking likely, he resigned in the February of the 1996-97 season. Relegation to the third tier for the first time in 23 years was confirmed three months later following a defeat at Reading.
Sharp was succeeded by Neil Warnock, who had previously achieved promotion success with Scarborough, Notts County (twice), Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle. He was however unable to repeat the same success with Oldham during the 1997-98 Division Two campaign and left after one disappointing year in charge, despite Oldham being in the play-off places until early March.
Former striker Andy Ritchie took over from Warnock in the summer of 1998 but he too was unable to turn things around and Ritchie's first season in charge almost proved to be disastrous. After losing a number of key players during the weeks after his reign began, Ritchie's squad of free transfers and youth team players struggled throughout the 1998-99 season, only avoiding being dragged into the relegation fight by winning their final two matches at home to Stoke City and Reading. The signing of the highly talented veteran Irish international midfielder John Sheridan proved to be the season's only high point.
The following season again began in disastrous fashion, the Latics losing their first five matches and failing to score in the first four. Ritchie's side however recovered well, proving difficult to beat, and losing only four of their nineteen remaining away matches, comfortably finishing in mid-table with 61 points from their 46 league matches.
Hopes were high at the start of the 2000-01 season after a 4-1 opening day win at home to newly-relegated Port Vale, but a run of 11 games without a win saw the club slump to second bottom in the league, making relegation look a real possibility. The signings of veteran winger David Eyres and midfielder Tony Carss gave the side added impetus and the Latics recovered well to again finish comfortably mid-table.
During the 2001 close season, local businessman Chris Moore purchased Oldham Athletic, with the promise of providing Premiership football within the next five years.
After a whirlwind start to the 2001-02 season, the Latics lost three consecutive matches, and manager Andy Ritchie was surprisingly sacked after guiding the Latics to 1st in the League. The way in which the hugely popular Ritchie was treated upset many fans at the time. Ritchie's replacement was Mick Wadsworth, a nomadic manager, and several Chris Moore funded big money signings followed. The result was a disappointing ninth placed finish at the end of the season, although there were high hopes for the following campaign. Wadsworth was also sacked however, and was replaced by his assistant Iain Dowie.
Dowie's expensive side began the 2002-03 season with a narrow home defeat to Cardiff City but recovered well to lose only seven more games for the rest of the season, just two of them away games. The Latics narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, gaining 82 points from their 46 league games to gain entry into the end of season play-offs. The play-off campaign ended in heartbreaking disappointment for Oldham, with Queens Park Rangers winning a tense battle with a late goal at their Loftus Road ground.
Worse was to come for the club, with chairman Chris Moore deciding to end his interest in the club - leaving behind large debts and a decimated playing squad, much to the anger of fans.
The 2003-04 season began with Oldham fans not knowing whether their club would be able to complete the season due to financial problems, and a distinct threat of relegation due to the loss of several of the previous season's key players.
The club were forced into administration during the October of 2003 and things started to look extremely bleak for the club as the financial crisis worsened, and no saviour could be found. The club found its way into the ownership of Marketing Manager Sean Jarvis and club accountant Neil Joy who purchased the club for £1 in an effort to keep the club running.
PR was personified at Boundary Park as Peter Ridsdale threw his hat into the ring as a potential saviour but did not endear himself to Latics fans after claiming that the club was beyond being saved. A short period after this set-back, several suitors then evolved, one a Norwegian consortium led by Vidar Fossdal who came very close to 'buying' the club. Despair set in when it came to light in the eleventh hour that the group were in-fact cruel hoaxers and had no real financial backing.
The club had only hours to live when an American consortium who had previously looked at Hull City and Huddersfield Town expressed an interest in the club. They agreed with the administrators to fund the £250,000 monthly deficit so they could conduct due diligence. Several months later it was announced that Danny Gazal, Simon Blitz and Simon Corney (aka the 'Three Amigos') would take ownership of the club and also purchase Boundary Park and the surrounding land.
One of the first steps taken by The Three Amigos was to sell 3% of the club for £200,000 to Trust Oldham, the supporters trust. In return for the investment, the Trust would hold an unconditional seat on the board of directors.
The season started with a moderate run of results, and after being linked with every vacant position at the time, Iain Dowie left the club to join Crystal Palace. With the club managerless, veteran midfielders John Sheridan and David Eyres took on caretaker managerial roles after Dowie's departure before former England international Brian Talbot was lured from Rushden and Diamonds to take over as manager. Talbot lost only one of his first thirteen games, against bottom club Wycombe Wanderers, the result being the Latics finishing comfortably in mid-table.
The 2004-05 season began with renewed optimism at the club but the club struggled until the arrival of loan signings Neil Kilkenny, Mark Hughes, and Lee Croft inspired seven consecutive wins before the Christmas period. The good form did not last however, and despite a fine F.A. Cup run, with the Latics defeating Premiership Manchester City before a battling 1-0 defeat against local rivals Bolton Wanderers, manager Talbot left the club. A dreadful run of eight consecutive defeats - including a heavy 5-1 loss at Bristol City - proved to be his undoing. Former Rotherham United manager Ronnie Moore took charge, and the club just avoided relegation, winning their final game of the season at home in a tense Roses derby with Bradford City.
The 2005-06 season saw a totally revamped squad, but despite the new side demonstrating good form around the Christmas period and in March, a dreadful run of only three points from the final seven matches of the season saw the Latics finish in tenth place - six points shy of a place in the end of season play-offs. Still, it was a substantial improvement on the finishes of the previous two seasons, and gave Oldham fans realistic hope that their side will be challenging for promotion in 2006-07. The final game of the season resulted in a low-key 1-1 draw at home to Scunthorpe United - veteran winger David Eyres marking his 234th and final appearance for the club with a fine goal. The match began in sombre mood with an impeccably observed minute's silence being held for the late Colin Shaw - a lifelong fan of the club and part-time employee who had died the previous weekend at the age of 49.
The end of the season saw Oldham fans divided into two camps - one group arguing that with the resources and quality of player available to manager Moore, not to mention the perceived poor quality of League One, tenth place represented a disappointing season. Others argued that despite the quality of football being poor at times, a top ten finish could be viewed as a success after the previous season's battle against relegation. Moore countered the former argument by vowing to get rid of the 'dead wood' at the club and sign players whom he feels possess greater mental strength. However, the chance for Moore to sign new players never arose, as he was sacked, along with his assistant John Breckin, on the 1st of June 2006 and immediately replaced by reserve team coach John Sheridan. Managing Director Simon Corney cited poor season ticket sales and the general disillusionment amongst fans as the reasons for the surprising decision.
The 2005-2006 season also saw developments off the pitch. On the 15th February, the club unveiled proposed plans for the re-development of their current ground, Boundary Park. The plans would see every stand other than the Rochdale Road End being re-developed. The new 16,000 seater stadium would have a four star hotel, conference and banqueting facilities, 100,000 square feet of offices and apartments and a leisure and fitness club with swimming pool.
The first two games of the 2006-07 season started with two unfortunate 1-0 defeats, away at Tranmere and at home to Port Vale. Things would improve though. Good football inspired by the manager, John Sheridan, showed promise that the team now has, several new recruits including Simon Charlton, Neil Wood and Gary McDonald show the talent Oldham need to go further. The third game of the season saw John Sheridan's first win in management, a 68th minute goal from on-loan stiker Maheta Molango. Also in attendance was on-loan goal keeper Chris Howarth who saved a Lee Trundle penalty not long after.
After a slow start to the season the team have now achieved more consistency and togetherness. A fighting spirit amongst the players is clear for all to see, no more so than the home match against Leyton Orient where the Latics fought back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to salvage a draw with a last minute Andy Liddell penalty. By early December, Oldham are sitting comfortably in 4th position in the play-off zone with 35 points in the league, with just 1 point from 4th place to 2nd place, showing that this could well be a promising season for Oldham.
The manager of the month award was made early in December, John Sheridan won the award for November with his record for November Showing 1 Defeat (At home to Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and 4 Wins. This winning run continued into December, until the jinx hit. The match after the manager of the month award was drawn, Oldham lost, 2-1 to Chesterfield at Saltergate. Oldham's 6 game winning run came to an end. A draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion followed by an emphatic 3-0 win against Northampton Town in front of 10,207 fans kicked off the festive season.
By New Years day John Sheridan was one of only three managers to get a full 12 points over the festive period, Boxing day saw a tough but deserved 3-2 win at Rotherham United before a 500 mile round trip to a rainlashed Gillingham saw the Latics win 3-0. Then, on 1/1/2007 they completed the 12 points with a stunning 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest. This left Oldham in 2nd position in league one. Just one point off the top.
Over 3,000 fans travelled to Wolverhampton to see Oldham play a tough FA cup game against Championship opposition. Latics fans were in dismay before the game with striker Chris Porter not appearing. Rumours that he had been sold were soon quenched when it appeared that there was a bereavement in the family. The game ended 2-2 with a chopped and changed Latics side deserving the replay at Boundary Park. Sadly, in the replay Wolves won 2-0.
Latics made their first acquisition of the 2007 January transfer window on the 9th by signing former Leeds defender/midfielder Sean Gregan on a two and a half year contract following a successful loan spell at Oldham.
Two leagues games against fellow promotion hopefuls followed with Latics scarping a dramatic draw away to Scunthorpe, after Scunthorpe were reduced to nine men. Bristol City then thrashed Latics 3-0 in their own back yard. But Latics bounced back with a deserved 3-2 win over Northampton sending them second in the league.
Ronnie Moore returned to a hostile Boundary Park to see his Tranmere team beaten 1-0 with a 92nd Minute Chris Porter goal, Richie Wellens was sent off in the 95th minute and missed the next three games. Oldham went top of the league. After beating Swansea 1-0 away from home Oldham went 5 games without a win, a bad spell which left their automatic promotion push in tatters as Bristol City, Scunthorpe, Nottingham Forest and Yeovil all pushed ahead of Oldham. With fighting spirit Oldham fought hard to go unbeaten all through March and to the beginning of April which has helped them stay in contention for a play off spot. After a draw against near rivals Huddersfield Town and again away to Bradford, Oldham finished the season in sixth place following a final day win over relegated Chesterfield.
For the second time in five Seasons Oldham Athletic reached the playoffs and failed. Two disallowed goals marred the second leg against Blackpool, it was later discovered that they should have been allowed thanks to video replays. The opinion of many is that John Sheridan did well to get to the playoffs with the team he had available, whilst others argue that after a string of impressive performances until February means that sixth place was a disappointing finish. Oldham now enter their 10th Season in League one.
Oldham has agreed terms with currently imprisoned striker, Lee Hughes. The former West Bromwich Albion forward has agreed terms after all but certainly confirming his successful parole in August 2007. Although seen as a controversial signing, Hughes has maintained high fitness for the prison team and is said to be relishing the chance to get his career moving again. Boundary Park is 9 miles from Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, 7 miles from the City of Manchester Stadium, home of Manchester City, 6 miles from Spotland, home of Rochdale and 7 miles from Gigg Lane, home of Bury. Although their more regular traditional local rivals such as Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers are no longer regular opponents, the Latics still engage in local rivalry with West Yorkshire clubs Huddersfield Town and Leeds United
(My thanks to the usual suspects for their help with this article.)
