Lifelong fan Jack’s grand gesture

GENEROUS . . . superfan Jack Gordon and Latics manager Paul Dickov hold the cheque with, from left, Barry Owen, chairman of Trust Oldham, Latics backroom staff Paul Butler and Lee Duxbury and assistant manager Gerry Taggart

LIFELONG Athletic fan Jack Gordon has given the new Latics Playershare scheme an early boost by donating £1,000.

The 89-year-old from Royton, who has a season ticket in the main stand, decided to hand over the cash to the Trust Oldham initiative designed to hand manager Paul Dickov a kitty which can be used to bring in new players.

Former plasterer Jack hopes that others will follow his lead.

“I think it is a great idea,” he said. “Let’s hope the whole town gets behind the scheme and we can raise £100,000.

“We only need 100 people like myself to each contribute £1,000 and we would reach that target.”

A total of £5,000 was raised by Trust Oldham in the first week of the new venture..

Prize draws will take place when membership reaches 100, 500 and 1,000 with a football, computer and season ticket for next season respectively up for grabs. A monthly draw will also be held.

For Jack, a Latics fan for 83 years, has dug-deep before to help the club. In the post-war era he gave £5 to the Wilf Mannion Fund, which sadly failed to bring the England international to Boundary Park.

Player-manager Paul Dickov, who met Jack on his visit to Boundary Park, said: “It is a fantastic gesture and much appreciated.

“It is very touching how Jack has contributed such a staggering amount, He is the epitome of a true supporter.”

Further details about signing up for Latics Playershare are available on the www.trustoldham.co.uk  website.