Owen: Tough times ahead

BARRY OWEN has painted a stark view of Athletic’s future beyond this season.

In an open letter to the club’s fans, the Trust Oldham chairman and club board member stated “a combination of factors gives very little encouragement for Oldham Athletic to be seen as a worthwhile investment”, pouring cold water on hopes that a new owner will be found in the short-term.

Simon Blitz resigned as Athletic chairman last week, citing personal and financial pressures, along with fellow board member Danny Gazal. The duo retain ownership of the club as well as Boundary Park and its surrounding land.

While this season’s playing budget was set with the double departure of money-men Blitz and Gazal in mind, Owen states that come the end of the campaign “it is pointless looking for guarantees”, with the club continuing to lose money week-after-week.

Owen also appealed to supporters to dig deep to provide extra funds for the club, reasserting his belief that the Trust should continue to assist Athletic financially.

In the letter, which is available to read in full at www.trustoldham.co.uk, Owen states that his thoughts on the overall situation at the club are not necessarily shared by the rest of the board members and that the new stadium in Failsworth remains a target.

He also echoes the view expressed by new chairman Simon Corney in asserting that Athletic are in a better position than many other football clubs in respect of its debts being owed to directors rather than other creditors.

And the Trust is keen to boost the chances of Paul Dickov’s men on the field this season by launching a new player-share scheme which would see fans making monthly donations to a fund which would be directed straight into the club’s transfer budget.

In 2005, the Supporters’ Trust contributed a “substantial” amount towards the wages of loan striker Luke Beckett when he arrived from Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, Ath-letic’s reserves progressed to the final of the Totesport.com League Cup with a 5-4 penalties victory over Preston.

Greg Kidd's spot-kick strike proved vital for Lee Duxbury's men, who ended the game locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Joe Colbeck scored Athletic's goal, a rasping 25-yard shot, shortly before half-time and Preston equalised with two minutes left on the clock.

Athletic now travel to play Leicester in the final, the date for which has yet to be finalised.