Latics take fans’ views on board

ATHLETIC appreciated supporters’ comments on falling attendances at Boundary Park said chief executive Alan Hardy.

ATHLETIC directors are to discuss suggestions made by concerned supporters who emailed the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

The Chronicle asked readers for their views on dwindling attendances for home matches at Boundary Park.

Chief Executive Alan Hardy has now confirmed that two of the ideas will be floated at board room level.

He said: “We very much appreciate feedback from fans.

“One supporter suggested the introduction of a monthly ticket scheme, whereby you can pay for attendance at all the home games in a month — for example Leyton Orient, Colchester and Plymouth in October — at a reduced price to the normal rate for all three games, which would be £60.

“This is something we can look into. The important thing is to not disadvantage our season ticket holders and lose revenue in the summer from season ticket sales.

“But there is a possibility there and we will certainly consider it.

“Another fan said we should let children in for free for the rest of the season, adding that the money we would lose from their tickets would be made up in the sale of chocolate and pop.

“That isn’t the case, but in future maybe an adult buying a ticket in advance could also bring a child for free. The directors will discuss this idea.”

In response to a message insisting the club would be best-served if run by supporters and the people of Oldham, Hardy said: “The owners would be delighted if fans were in a position to take over the club and its operating losses, but I don’t think they could do that and maintain the playing budget.”

Some Athletic followers insisted the current state of Boundary Park — and that it has only three sides — puts people off turning out on match day.

“It is not always possible to do everything fans want us to do, but we are conscious that the current state of the stadium leaves a lot to be desired,” said Hardy.

“Having said that, we have been working for six years to improve the situation. The worldwide financial crash, which occurred just when we were given permission to develop Boundary Park, was a big blow.

“Someone got in touch to say the move to Failsworth is a bad idea. But it is the only financially viable option we have to provide a new stadium.”

A regular reduction in ticket prices has also been ruled out by the club.

Hardy said: “Last season we reduced tickets for a game to £2 and £1 and we got six or seven thousand fans in, which meant we lost about £25,000 in revenue alone.

“I understand people’s feelings on the issue. But the revenue is the main thing because that is what partly sustains the wage bill.

“Someone pointed out Blackpool and Wigan only charge £22-£24. But they have Premier League funding of £40m to help subsidise admission prices.”

Fans’ suggestions for a membership scheme leading to reduced admission and the prospect of smoking behind the stands were ruled out due to Football League rules and government legislation.


Athletic have confirmed they have held talks with Dean Furman and Joe Jacobson regarding the Jewish holy day Yom Kippur, but are yet to confirm whether the duo will play against Bournemouth on Saturday.


See all the suggestions sent to Latics chiefs in last night’s E-Chron - click the link (subscription required).