Welcome to Uppermill AFC (2025) Limited!

Pictured is Uppermill FC first XV manager Mark Howard (right) alongside club chairman Simon Tait

Uppermill FC have taken the next significant step in their long-term development strategy by switching the club to a limited company.

Club chiefs have decided that their growth aspirations on the pitch need to be supported by a new legal structure off the pitch.

Uppermill FC Chief Executive, Steve Southern, said: "Whilst what happens on the pitch is what matters most to most of us each Saturday or Sunday, the leaders at the club need to make sure that our off-field activities are best positioned for long-term success.

"We have studied how bigger clubs structure themselves, and as we aspire to join those clubs, we need to organise ourselves to that higher standard.

"For that reason, we have formed our own limited company - Uppermill AFC (2025) Limited - and the current football club will be 'poured' into the company as soon as possible.

"We believe that this will require us to adopt ever more professional standards of organisation and transparency. 

"If our ambitions are to be achieved we need to adopt an increasingly more business like appearance with potential investors and parties who want to work with us to grow the club - and grow it in a way that is beneficial to the whole community, not just the football club.

"The next task is to find the right people with the right skills, time and motivation to become the Directors of the Football Company. 

"We are taking  advice on how to select the Directors, and we are very grateful for the many expressions of interest that we've already have as regards the role of a Director of Uppermill AFC (2025) Limited."

Meanwhile, the club has also appointed Rachel Freeman of Freeman Accounting, based in Lees, to further improve its approach to its finances.

Steve added: "I know we are not quite Manchester City, but, as the song has it, 'there's a million miles between us, but at least we are heading in the same direction'!"

Under the guidance of manager Mark Howard, Uppermill's in-form first XV are currently handily placed in sixth position in the Manchester League Premier Division, with games in hand on the teams above them.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.