Ground talks progressing

OLDHAM Roughyeds are asking fans to sit tight while the club works with Oldham Council in order to seal the deal for a new home ground in the borough.

More talks were held yesterday between Chris Hamilton, the club’s owner-chairman, and the Council and the message that emerged is that “progress” is being made.

While thanking the Council for their assistance, Hamilton admitted that while he is keen to reveal to supporters the identified site he cannot do so at present due to commercial sensitivities.

“We understand that supporters are keen to know where we are going to be playing,” he said.

“We would love to release details but at the moment we need to respect confidentiality.

“We are working with the Council to resolve the situation, but right now there is not a lot we can say other than the fact that we are making progress and remaining positive.

“We are asking supporters to keep the faith and as soon as we can tell them something we will be doing just that.

“Meanwhile, preparations for the new season are going on behind the scenes in the usual manner with regard to the many and varied tasks that have to be undertaken each year.

“There are a lot of administrative and logistical things to be done.

“We are trying to resolve the ground issue as soon as possible but we have to accept that we are in the real world with all that entails.

“The Council are being very helpful and are working closely with us and for that we are very grateful. Hopefully, we will have some news soon.”

With reduced-price season tickets for 2010 on sale, the club hopes fans will stump up the cash to help preparations despite the current ground uncertainty.

Current prices are available until noon on Christmas Eve from the Roughyeds office in Lansdowne Road, Chadderton. Telephone (0161) 628 3677.