Breathing space for soccer club

CHADDERTON Football Club’s immediate future is to be secured with Oldham Council set to give them a temporary licence for the next 12 months.

That will provide breathing space for the Vodkat North-West Counties League, first division side until the future of their Broadway ground is resolved.

There had been fears that Chadderton might be about to lose their home of the last 63 years after Oldham Council reclaimed the lease in the wake of businessmen Craig Halliwell and Tony Bhatti, the previous owners, leaving the club heavily in debt.

The Broadway ground has also been earmarked as a possible base in the town for Oldham Roughyeds.

This positive news has been tempered by a further spate of vandalism which has cost the football club thousands of pounds.

Three concrete perimeter wall panels have been demolished, while the pitch perimeter fencing has also been wrecked along with seating in the main stand.

An attempt was made to set fire to a floodlight pylon and the protective clubhouse shutters were also ripped off.




MOSSLEY, another non-league club in difficulty, believe they have overcome the troubles which threatened their future.



The Lilywhites, who have financial problems, have appointed a 12-strong committee to work alongside directors Mike Chamley and Mark Grifin.

Mossley were rocked by the resignations of chairman Steve Astley, vice-chairman Les Fitton and commercial director Phil Beckwith.

Press officer John Cawthorne said: “Obviously when people at the top resign it causes chaos as it leaves nobody to address the problems.

“We have formed a new committee which will support the directors and we are confident we can take the club forward.”

Mr Cawthorne said cuts have had to be made while ways to increase income are explored.

Mossley are still looking for further help and anybody interested can contact them on mossleyweb@hotmail.com

Manager Chris Willcock is staying and he has made goalkeeper Peter Collinge his first summer signing.

Collinge (23) was a professional at League Two side Bury and has since played for Clitheroe, Leek and Chorley.