Club facing ruin

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 27 October 2009


Vandals go on wrecking spree after sex offences allegations


VANDALS went on a £10,000 wrecking spree at Oldham Boro FC, putting the future of the club in serious doubt.

They smashed fruit machines, slashed furniture and ripped beer pumps off the bar at the club, in Whitebank Road, Limeside.

They also stole £2,000 from the safe and money from two tills which were forced open.

Offensive graffiti was daubed on mirrors, walls and sofas referring to former chairman Ken Hughes who was charged with sexual offences against children earlier this month.

The 65-year-old has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, on December 22.

Owners changed the club’s name from Oldham Town FC in the hope of putting the controversy behind them and make a fresh start.

But employees have had abuse shouted at them on the street and the club has suffered numerous attempted break ins this month.

The club, who play in the Vodkat North West Counties first division, does not have insurance and owners now face the arduous task of clearing up the damage and trying to replace things that were stolen in Sunday’s attack.

A club spokesman said: “We simply can’t afford to replace everything. We have no money and this could well be the end of the club which would be really sad as it’s a great community facility.

“People need to realise that the things that happened with Ken have nothing to do with us. We are trying to pick up the pieces and move forward and people aren’t letting us. There are other things going on at the club such as brass band practise and dancing as well as snooker and pool teams so it would be such a shame if we had to close.”

Employees believe those responsible are known to the club as they ripped the alarm off the wall and turned a CCTV cameraa round before bending a security bar on the back door to gain access.

The spokesman said: “I don’t think this was a direct attack because of what’s happened with Ken. I think they just used that as an excuse to rob us.”