Fresh hope for future of Latics

A CHALLENGE has been mounted after after the Charity Commission threw out plans for Oldham Athletic’s new £20million stadium in Failsworth.

Oldham Council has sent a dossier outlining the “many inaccuracies” in the decision — and has also been looking at other potential stadium sites in a bid to keep the club in Oldham.

And it admits that the council and Latics need to have a “frank discussion” about the club’s future after relationships between the two appeared to have broken down.

The move comes after the Charity Commission refused the controversial swap deal to pave the way for the new stadium, involving land bought to commemorate soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

It blasted the council for the way it had handled the process, criticising weak consultation and conflicts of interest.

The decision promoted an angry response from Latics.

Chairman Simon Corney warned that the club could move out of Oldham next season rather than stay at the dilapidated Boundary Park.

The council has now revealed that that senior officers and cross-party councillors held meetings this week to discuss how to keep the side in the borough.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “The latest discussions covered a lot of ground and potential new ways forward but they have been united by one common theme — the over-riding desire of all concerned to keep Oldham Athletic in this borough.

“Our first priority to consider was the disappointing letter from the Charity Commission in relation to plans that could have seen the club relocate from Boundary Park to Failsworth.

“The Charity Commission themselves have made clear that their letter was an open invitation to Oldham Council to provide clarification and further information on certain disputed areas.

“After seeking expert legal advice we believe there were many inaccuracies contained in their initial view. These have been challenged in a detailed dossier that was sent to the commission this week.

“In compiling that response we have had informal contact with club representatives and if Oldham Athletic decide to pursue this option further then we will fully support that position. During this time, officers have also been exploring other potential solutions to the club’s search for a permanent base within the borough. That work is nearing completion and our next step will be to sit down to discuss these opportunities with club officials. We will need to have a frank discussion about all potential options.

“We recognise there has already been speculation about possible alternative sites under consideration. While we fully understand the public interest in these matters it would be improper of us to release details of what might be commercially sensitive information at this stage. That is not the way we should be doing business.

“Finding the solution to this matter will require resolve, vision, patience and an open dialogue with Oldham Athletic and other stakeholders.”

A bumper 8,564 turned up to watch Oldham Athletic on Tuesday after ticket prices were slashed to £2.

Councillor McCann added: “The fantastic attendance at Tuesday’s home game against Carlisle demonstrated that the club does have a viable future if we can work together to deliver a solution. Oldham Council — officers and politicians alike — are committed to that and our position is very clear: Oldham Athletic is fundamental to this borough’s future.”

Latics chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We have not had time as yet to consider in full the statement issued by Oldham Council.

“We will be doing that today and hopefully we will be in a position to issue a statement ourselves later.”