Counting the cost

Ground upkeep is drain on Latics finances — Corney
ATHLETIC anticipate shelling out a six-figure sum to get Boundary Park fit and ready for npower League One football next season.

Pitch renovation, general ground maintenance and the replacement of power supply systems providing emergency lighting all add up to provide what Simon Corney admits is a “drain” on the club's slender finances.

However, the Athletic chairman — who has not committed to staying at the 115-year-old home beyond next season — believes the club are one of a number having to spend such amounts on the upkeep of old stadiums this summer.

And overall, he sees nothing new in Athletic's current financial battle.

“We factored it in to the budget, but we are not alone in having to spend money to maintain the ground up to certain levels,” said Corney.

“It is simply part and parcel of running a football club.

“It has always been a struggle (financially). It is just more of a struggle now.

“It isn’t easy, but we are still here and that is the main thing.”

Looking further down the line and the long quest to find a new home for the club, Corney is positive about the chance of building a good relationship with the borough’s new Labour-controlled council.

“We had a brief chat with the Labour guys and they have sent out the right message, not only in terms of ourselves as a football club but also in other areas too,” said Corney.

“I have faith that (new council leader) Jim McMahon can deliver. He is very impressive.”

On the playing front, discussions are taking place as manager Paul Dickov gets on with putting together next season's squad.

“Paul is talking to a few players but nothing is definite at the moment,” said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.


ATHLETIC fans who can’t make it to the ticket office today are reminded they can purchase season tickets by credit card through the club website at www.oldhamathletic.co.uk