Memorial match for Oldham to pay respects

Chris Hamilton

STARTING this year, Oldham RL's last home game of the season will become a memorial match at which to remember and respect people with club connections, including supporters, who have died during the previous 12 months.

The Rev Tony Ford, club chaplain, explained: "We are getting an ever-increasing number of requests, including many from supporters, to have a minute's silence on match days in memory of departed loved ones.

"The club is keen to pay its respects to everybody, be they players, supporters or club officials, and after much discussion we felt the most dignified way to do that was to set aside a match at the end of each season, at which we will name all the individuals concerned and give thanks for their lives."

'TRADITIONAL'

Club chairman Chris Hamilton added: "This will enable club, fans and relatives to properly pay respects in the traditional manner before kick-off at a specific game set aside for that purpose.

"We can name those who have died in the match-day programme, announce them over the public address system and make the last match of the season a fitting memorial to those who have left us during the year.

"All we ask is that people contact the club to provide relevant details so everything can be prepared in readiness for the final home game of the season."