Latics legends re-live Wembley glory days

Photo: Pictures: Vincent Brown

1990: Wembley heroes: back row, from the left: Roger Palmer, Mike Milligan, Denis Irwin, Nick Henry, Andy Ritchie, Gary Williams, Andy Rhodes, Frank Bunn, Earl Barrett, Rick Holden. Front: Neil Adams, Paul Warhurst, Andy Barlow.

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ATHLETIC fans, former players and officials enjoyed an evening of nostalgia and celebration at the Queen Elizabeth Hall last night in memory of the famous ‘pinch me’ season of 20 years ago.

Members of team who took to the field at Wembley for the Littlewoods Cup final of 1990 were present at a packed dinner, plus staff from the time and legendary manager Joe Royle.

It was a season to remember for everyone associated with the club.

As well as the cup run which culminated in a first-ever Wembley visit, the likes of Andy Ritchie, Frank Bunn and Rick Holden also helped the division two club reach an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, with Athletic forcing the tie to a replay before missing out on the final.

Despite losing the Littlewoods Cup final to a solitary goal by Nigel Jemson, the fact the club even got there was a terrific achievement according to former full-back Andy Barlow.

“I was a local lad so the memories are fantastic and at the time, you just got carried away with the euphoria of the event,” said Barlow, who now works for the PFA. “I look back on some of the performances the players put in and I can only say they were magnificent — and I don’t think we have really been recognised for what we did.”

Former Athletic, Manchester United and Republic of Ireland star Denis Irwin said: “It is great to see the old faces and great to be back.The 20 years have flown by but it was a great time. I still look for the Oldham result and it is a club close to my heart.”

Defender Earl Barrett, who signed from Manchester City before going on to play for Aston Villa, Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, said: “They were great times and to see some of the lads now, it is as if we had never been away. We had a strong work ethic and enjoyed each other’s company.”

All of the players present were clapped onto the stage with many interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester Jack Dearden and Sky TV’s Stuart Pyke, both heavily involved in the glory years at Boundary Park.But the biggest cheers of the night were reserved for Big Joe who received a standing ovation for an address packed with humour, praise and emotion for his beloved squad.

See our Latics section for some of your memories of that great day