Skipper Sean’s ‘come and support us’ plea

Sean Gregan: appeal to fans

GATES at Boundary Park have already been an issue this season, with managing director Simon Corney bemoaning the figure of just 4,673 against Cheltenham.

And Athletic captain Sean Gregan (pictured) has appealed for the Oldham public to show their support, starting against Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

Gregan said: “The way the credit crunch is going it’s a lot of money for the fans. We understand that.

“Everything is so expensive these days and our last home game was a week before pay day, but it does help the players to have a good crowd in.

“You notice when you are on the pitch, so hopefully the numbers will increase if we keep winning a few games.

“And as a team we aren’t just playing the percentages – I think it’s decent football and hopefully we are quite good to watch.”

Athletic suffered a 16-per-cent drop in attendances last season when their average in the league was 5,327.

They actually need 7,500 to break even as the club’s losses run to around £15,000 every week.

Athletic are also counting the cost of being eliminated from two competitions in quick succession.

Their penalty shoot-out defeat to Morecambe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last Tuesday followed a Carling Cup loss at Burnley – and chief executive Alan Hardy was left to rue the financial opportunities that got away.

Mr Hardy said: “Obviously the league is very important, but there’s nothing like a cup run to excite fans and increase revenue.

“No disrespect to Morecambe, but I felt our squad was big enough and strong enough to progress in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this season.

“The JPT gives League One and Two clubs a real chance of playing at Wembley, and last year the fans of MK Dons and Grimsby enjoyed their day in the final.

“Those two clubs picked up around £500,000 for their appearance, so it was disappointing to go out.”




RONNIE Moore believes Tranmere’s performance at Prenton Park on Saturday could silence a few of his critics.

Visiting fans gave Moore – now in his third season as Rovers boss – the usual rough ride during Athletic’s 1-0 victory.

But he said: “Although Oldham are a passing side and Shez doesn’t like them to hoof it, I think they played more long balls than us.

“That might keep the Oldham crowd a bit quiet with all the “hoof” and “boom” they like to shout at me.”

Tranmere will receive an automatic fine after having six players booked in the weekend match.

Antony Kay, Craig Curran, Ben Chorley, Edrissa Sonko and Steve Jennings were all cautioned for fouls, while Ian Moore was lucky to escape with a yellow card after whacking the ball at the linesman who disallowed Tranmere’s goal.