Latics fans angry at talk of move

FANS have reacted with anger and disbelief at Simon Corney’s shock disclosure that Athletic’s owners are exploring proposals that could see the football club based outside Oldham.

Co-owner Mr Corney revealed that he has already been contacted by a neighbouring club asking if Athletic would be interested in sharing their ground.

Managing director Mr Corney reckons a ground-share scheme would make financial sense, pointing out he would jump at the chance to build and share a new stadium which was equidistant between two neighbouring clubs.

That came as a bolt from the blue to Jeff Vernon, chairman and vice- president of Oldham Athletic Supporters Association, who declared: “There will be fireworks and I can see this causing a lot of problems.

“I have already spoken to fans who say they will stop watching Latics if they move out of town.

“If the owners have ideas like that, they ought to consult the public of Oldham first. Personally, I think it is a non-starter and I am disgusted by it.”

Mr Vernon added that the episode has reminded him of the events of 1999 when then Athletic chairman Ian Stott was forced to resign after it was revealed that he had held informal talks about a merger between Rochdale, Bury and Athletic to form a new club Manchester North End.

Barry Owen, the representative of Trust Oldham on Athletic’s board of directors, also reacted with surprise.

He said: “Nothing has been discussed at boardroom level or with me as the fans’ representative on the board.

“It would be of concern if something like this happened without discussions with fans to give them the chance to air their views.

“The fans will be concerned and I shall be sharing this concern with the club on their behalf.”

Athletic chairman Simon Blitz has distanced himself from his business partner’s comments. about a possible move.

“It is a pipe dream and realistically it probably will never happen,” he declared.

Mr Blitz reassured fans there is no way he will ever sanction a move to Bury, Rochdale or Stockport, although he wouldn’t rule out sharing a new stadium with a neighbour. But, should that happen, he says he would still be looking to find a site for a new stadium within the borough of Oldham.

Mr Blitz also reaffirmed the commitment of the three owners to the club, saying: “You can see our commitment in the team we are assembling for the new season.

“I believe we will have a better team than last season. It is difficult because season-ticket sales are down and fans didn’t want admission prices to rise so where does the extra money come from to run the club?”