A Guy for the Penney team

New Latics marketing boss Guy Walker

New commercial boss sets sights on boosting attendances
GUY Walker hopes he can help put “bums on seats” in his capacity as Athletic's new sales and marketing manager.

The 44-year-old from Wilmslow began work this week with a remit of boosting the club's profile — and attendance figures for matches involving Dave Penney’s team.

Boasting extensive experience in sports product marketing, Walker spent 15 years working for Umbro International, during which time he regularly touched base with Athletic as well as such internationally-renowned club sides as Manchester United, Inter Milan, Lazio and Ajax.

More recently the co-owner and sales and marketing director of Elms Marketing, Walker is relishing the challenge which lies ahead.

"I am delighted about taking on this role," said Walker.

"I believe that Oldham Athletic is a bigger club than is often portrayed.

"There is lots of support here. It isn't so many years since the ground was filled regularly and there is so much potential.

"The three owners have shown that they are on board in terms of their ambitions and we need to build on that."

Walker will come up with marketing strategies in the next few weeks against a background of some disappointing attendances at Boundary Park — none more so than the 5,552 who watched the FA Cup first-round tie against Leeds United, a game which would normally be regarded as a crowd-puller.

"We need more fans coming to games and that is part of my role, so I will do everything in my power to make it happen," he said.

As well as appointing Walker, Athletic are set to work closely with marketing company Openhouse Europe and their director Tim Gardiner as part of a rebranding exercise.

Having worked as a former sales and marketing director at West Bromwich Albion for two-and-a-half years, Gardiner was integral to the club's new branding in 2006.

He boasts more than 20 years of experience in the world of sport.