Corney’s grounds for optimism

A STEP forward . . . for Simon Corney and Latics

LATICS chairman Simon Corney has said redeveloping Boundary Park could be the first step in securing the future of Oldham Athletic.

The Chronicle revealed yesterday how a £5million deal including a £700,000 stadium redevelopment grant could be approved on Monday.

The deal, which would include rebuilding the Broadway Stand, would keep the League One club at its current Boundary Park home and prevent it from potentially being forced out of the borough.

Latics had been looking to sell up and move to a new 12,000-seater stadium in Failsworth. But that fell through in February following local objections and issues over charitable status of the available land.

Athletic said on its website yesterday that discussions had taken place over the past few months between directors Simon Corney, Ian Hill and Barry Owen, as well as Anna Kocerhan, from Sports Solutions GB, together with Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon and chief executive Charlie Parker to develop a package of proposals which would put the club on the road to delivering its aims.

Mr Corney said they had been “bitterly disappointed” at not being able to develop a new stadium at Failsworth but now has a chance to redevelop the ground to secure the club’s future.

He said: “This has involved complex arrangements with regard to club and land ownerships and we still have a long way to go.

“However, if we get this initial support from the council next week, we will have a platform upon which to build and which we can take forward in our discussions with a funding partner for a redeveloped and sustainable stadium.

“Jim (Councillor McMahon) has been very supportive during this process and at last we have a positive outlook for the club and all that it brings to the borough.

“We hope that this relationship continues and that we can work with this administration to deliver what is needed.”

Latics said a public announcement will be made next week once Oldham Council’s Cabinet meeting has considered the proposals on Monday.