Latics are living in the past — Moore

FORMER Athletic manager Ronnie Moore accused his former team of living in a time warp following Tranmere’s victory at Boundary Park.

Moore was referring to the tide of emotion and nostalgia which greeted Joe Royle’s return as manager.

He said: “I was worried about coming here with all the hype about Joe and the reminiscing before the game.

“Joe did a magnificent job to take them where he did, but times have changed. It’s a pity the supporters haven’t changed with it.

“That was 1991, but we are in 2009 and it is what you do now and not what you have done in the past.”

Moore also spoke of the burden of expectation on the shoulders of Royle, something he says all Athletic managers, including himself, have experienced in the past 15 years.

He continued: “It was a surprise to see John Sheridan leave. He’s another one. He got them to the play-offs, finished eighth last season and they have hardly been out of the top six and he gets the sack.

“May be they don’t want successful managers here. Something doesn’t seem right.”

Moore also took great delight in taunting the Athletic fans. It was his response to the torrent of abuse he had received on his annual return.

“It is love-hate thing. I love them and they hate me,” he quipped.

Moore was delighted with his side’s victory as this was only their fifth win on the road and came only four days after their defeat at basement boys Cheltenham.

Royle was not too down despite the defeat which leaves Athletic six points adrift of the play-off places.

He said: “I thought it was slightly harsh on us as we were on top when they scored their first goal.

“I would not argue that they looked the better team, but we have time to improve.”

Royle confessed to being relieved to have got the opening match out of the way, especially with all the hype surrounding his return.

He continued: “The surreal side came from others and not myself. I was not a fan of the pre-match carnival and the nostalgia. People felt it had to be done, but it is not my style.

“I didn’t like going on the pitch and waving before the game and would rather have gone on after a win at the end. I can understand why it was done, but I didn’t like it.”