Roar of approval!

NEW North Stand plans: warm welcome

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Fans sing the praises of new stand plans
FANS and residents have given their support to Oldham Athletic’s plans for a new stand that will “move the club into the 21st Century”.

FAns flocked to Boundary Park last night to get a glimpse of proposals for the 3,000-seat structure, set to be submitted to planners this month.

If Oldham Council approves, construction could start as early as October. Supporters could be watching games in a four-stand stadium by the end of 2013.

Club chairman Simon Corney told the Chronicle the new addition, since the old Broadway side of the ground was demolished in 2008, will bring a much-needed atmosphere back and help secure the club’s future.

“It’s been three or four years of planning,” he said. “We have found the exact formula we have been looking for and it’s going to be something very special; something the club desperately needs.”

He said he was “delighted” by the fans’ and local responses to the proposals, which include offices, a gymnasium, retail units, conference and catering facilities.

Outline planning is also in place for more offices and seats on the corners of the proposed stand — which could boost capacity by up to 1,600 mors seats.

Mr Corney added: “This project has the ability to put some money back into the team once the stand and facilities are up and running and it’s going to create a pleasant match-day experience.

“We want to bring the club into the 21st century and bring the good days back to Oldham.”

The money for the new stand is coming from “private” sources, said Mr Corney, who celebrates 10 years in the League One club’s boardroom this year.


Fans’ views
FANS at the public event were warm in their praise for the plans.

Jack Collinwood from Chadderton said: “I just hope the proposed stand will come to fruition, because it does look superb. This will have an upwards effect on the club, which is really needed.”

Roy Kenworthy, from Royton, said: “I am looking to buy a box and I would love to have one in the new stand.

“I like the appearance, especially the glass front to the entrance. This could bring the crowds back, fingers crossed.”

Phil Foden (29), from Royton, said: “It’s exactly what the club needs and when the other three stands can be done that would be great.” 

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