United legend back to his roots

Manchester United’s Paul Scholes cuts the ribbon, held by chairman Frank Nolan, to the new changing rooms at Chadderton Park FC

MANCHESTER United’s midfield maestro Paul Scholes returned to his roots to open Chadderton Park FC’s new changing rooms.

The Red Devils legend, who grew up in Oldham and still lives in the area, received a hero’s welcome from fans at both ends of the age scale and was only too happy to do the honours.

After cutting the tape he said: “The facilities here are fantastic, everyone has clearly worked very hard to make it possible.

“I’m happy to do it. I’m an Oldham lad, my children go to school in the area, and I used to play cricket near by when I was younger so it’s nice to come back. The improvements here show this is a club with ambition.”

Despite earning a reputation as the quiet man of football and dodging the spotlight whenever possible, the 35-year-old stayed behind to sign every shirt, hat, ball and scarf thrown at him, as well as posing for pictures.

Before leaving, Scholes watched the club’s coaches take on a team made up of the BBC’s “Waterloo Road” cast.

Chadderton Park FC’s Craig Simpson, who helped organise the event, said: “It was a fantastic day, the weather held out and everyone enjoyed themselves.”


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