Pubs show World Cup the red card!
Date published: 04 June 2010

WORLD CUP-FREE zone: WORLD Cup WAGs can ditch Rooney, Lampard and Terry at The Old Original. Pictured (rear, from left) are barmaids Becky Harrop, Hannah Fitton, Natalie Fitton and Danella Aylett. Front: Landlady Janette Harrop and landlord Tom Harrop.
Football fever may be whipping many Oldhamers into a frenzy with a week to go until the big World Cup kick-off but a handful of pubs across the borough are proudly declaring themselves a football-free zone.
Don’t expect big screens and screaming crowds and at the Old Original in Scouthead —the pub is shunning the beautiful game and transforming into a cocktail-serving refuge for the lonely wives of England fans.
As the Three Lions prepare to take on the USA in South Africa next Saturday night, local WAGs can rest safe in the knowledge that there is somewhere for them to go after kissing goodbye to their other halves for the next month. Old Original manager Janette Harrop said: “It’s everywhere at the moment, you can’t escape it. There will be no football screened here,” assures Janette.
“We love to have fun here and this is an excuse for local ladies to leave their husbands at home and get together for a meal and a few drinks.
“All WAGs dining together will get a free cocktail and I’m sure their husbands will join them after the game for a drink — especially if England win.”
The Old Bell Inn, Delph, is also opting for cocktails over the cup.
Manager Natalee Goas has already been left out of her boyfriend’s plans during the month-long tournament. She said: “The ladies do feel pushed out during the World Cup, as the men make their plans to go down the pub with the rest of the lads. My boyfriend has already made plans with my dad for all the games.
“It will be perfect here for the girls to get away from cheering lads and relax. The ladies can all come and celebrate here, coming to work will even be a break from the football for me.”