Oldham FC plans get go-ahead

Mike Keegan

December 11, 2007

FANS and officials of Oldham Athletic were celebrating tonight after £80 million plans to redevelop the club's ground finally got the green light.

Last month councillors rejected the proposals sparking fears that it could be the end of the line for the 112-year-old club.

But tonight, in front of a packed audience at Oldham's Civic Centre, revised plans were given the go-ahead by a vote of 10-1. Simon Blitz, one of the club's three owners, said he was "delighted".

He added that work to redevelop Boundary Park, the club's decaying home, would start as soon as possible. The plans include 693 new homes, a fitness centre, and a landmark hotel.
Director Barry Owen hailed the decision as a momentous day for the club. He paid tribute to fans who launched a peaceful protest march after the original decision and said: "They have been fantastic and will be celebrating tonight."

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edwards (12/12/2007 at 07:53)

i still cannot see how the initial rejection of the plans could possibly have meant the end of the club, why? There are many clubs with similar grounds. As for nearly 700 new homes, it's the local residents I feel sorry for, there isnt even enough parking space as it stands for that amount of cars so where on earth are all the cars going to go? What about parking on match days? There appears to be only one exit/entrance for all the vehicles, what happens on match days?

JameDodger, Oldham (12/12/2007 at 08:51)

" i still cannot see how the initial rejection of the plans could possibly have meant the end of the club, why?"

Well, the fact that since the owners took over the club, they've paid any losses out of their own pocket. This is thousands upon thousands of pounds per MONTH.

When they took over the club, redevelopment was part of the plan which is why they began straight away. With the rejection of the first proposal, the owners could have walked away (and i wouldn't have blamed them) and left us with no owner. The who would have bought a club in a town where the council turns down development of an old brownfield sit - Nobody equalling the end of Oldham Athletic.

Oldham Athletic needed this to stay alive, there is no doubt about it. What people who don't support latics seem to notice is that the town of Oldham needs the club.....what else does it have?

edwards (12/12/2007 at 13:24)

I fully understand the position that the football club are in, however there are very few lower league football clubs who have the luxury of a balanced or even profitable account. There are many small clubs skating on very thin ice financially and the media obsession with the Premier League only serves to divert interest and investment away from the Football League. I am not in any way looking to turn this into a football discussion and have no vested interest in either clubs but you need only look a few miles up the road to Bury to find a club in a similar position. They looked to alternatives and share their facilities with FC United to gain income. And of course investment of this nature, whilst it may safeguard the short term future of the football club, does not automatically mean an upturn in fortune, you need only look at Oxford United as a clear example of this. They are fortunate that they do not have half a dozen football league clubs within half an hour's drive. I can only wish Oldham Athletic the best of luck but clearly to an outsider it looks like the investors wanted the land and to recoup money through property rather than having any real interest in the football club, but in the end nothing really turns on that point.

JameDodger, Oldham (12/12/2007 at 14:38)

Yes there are clubs who skate on thin ice - just like there are businesses. There comes a point when these businesses can no longer afford to stay afloat. They enter administration and a new owner comes in. The cycle occurs and eventually the new owner gets bored (or skint) of bailing the side out and so on and so on.

Eventually you end up with either no football teams, or a higher percentage of amateur/semi pro sides. Outside the Premier League - money is just not there so things have to be done.

Boundary Park is currently in the middle of a brownfield site which is in desperate need of development - housing or otherwise. At the same time, the owners wish to stem the flow of money which they are losing by improving facilities meaning that there is income all year round. Put the two together and you can see the advantages.... I can see hardley any disadvantages!

1. The local area is redeveloped.
2. An old tired ground is updated
3. More housing for people of Oldham
4. More jobs for people of oldham
5. More money in council tax which goes to the borough.

Nobody has said that the new development will provide an upturn in fortunes - if that comes it's a bonus. For us fans, we're happy in the knowledge that our club - for the forseeable - future -will be around. If the new ground attracts better players, and the club can improve - i'll be even happier

fawnsy, droylsden (13/12/2007 at 10:44)

well i personally hope the re devolpment will bring some funds into oldham's team,and move them up,cannot see it though,just think it will make the clubs owners even richer,believe me as a staunch city fan,seen it all happen b4 people milking the club good luck nevertheless,hope it pays off 4 u's

Bill of Bury, Lancashire (17/12/2007 at 20:05)

Off the point slightly, but could someone from Latics advise me what interest do Latics have in Micah Richards of City??

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