Latics fans struggle with goal of quitting cigarettes

LATICS fans are urged to give cigarettes the red card and help the club reach the top of the Smokefree United League.

Oldham is currently in 17th place after only two smokers got help from the virtual club which helps footie fans and players to quit the habit.

Smokefree United, which was launched in October by the NHS and features all English club divided into their respective leagues, is supported by the Premier League and football legends Ian Wright, Gianfranco Zola, John Barnes and Andy Townsend.

More than 1,500 fans have already signed up as the club also gives members access to exclusive competitions.

NHS research reveals that 70 per cent of all football fans in the North-West who smoke want to quit.

Almost half of them also play football in their spare time, with cigarettes taking a heavy toll on their game.

A staggering 72 per cent of fans who play football notice the effect of smoking before half-time and almost one in three is embarrassed by wheezing in front of their team mates.

Leaders in the Smokefree United League One are Leeds with 64 quitters. Southampton is also storming ahead with 18 quitters. Norwich, Brighton and Millwall are in third place with nine quitters followed by Charlton who boast six quitters.

Colchester, Hartlepool, Stockport and Yeovil are languishing at the bottom after failing to sign up a single quitter.

Dale Newton, Oldham Athletic Community Trust health development officer, said: “This campaign is another example of how football clubs can work with local fans to improve health and well-being.

“For all our fans out there who want to kick the habit take this opportunity to be involved in pushing for success in the Smokefree United table and also improving your health with Latics.”

For help quitting, visit the Smokefree United website at nhs.uk/smokefreeunited or call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0800 917 0492