Past Latics heroes share memories

PICTURED: Tony Philliskirk (back, left), Andy Holt, Bernard Halford, Derek Spence, Alan Hardy, Keith Hicks, Andy Ritchie, Trust Oldham's Simon Brooke, Andy Barlow, Clyde Wijnhard, James Tarkowski, Chris Taylor, Richard Jobson; Mike Milligan, Frank Bunn, Ian Wood, Les Chapman, Paul Murray and Richie Wellens.

ATHLETIC fans took the chance to mingle with their heroes last night at the official launch of the Oldham Athletic Former Players Association.

The event took place within the Oldham Event Centre and featured a host of illustrious names.

Former secretary Bernard Halford, legendary ex-manager Joe Royle and midfielder of the 1970s, Les Chapman, all spoke and took part in a question-and-answer session.

Halford regaled the crowd with tales of how the late Bobby Johnstone's signing in 1961 instantly increased crowds six-fold; Chapman described his career after leaving a job as junior accountant at Middleton Town Hall to sign for Athletic on £18 a week; and Royle spoke of how the first question asked by one player in contract talks was: "where is the nearest dog track?"

It is hoped that the launch of the association, created by Trust Oldham, will bring about further events in the future.