Chaddy the Owl has resigned as Athletic’s mascot of five seasons following a disciplinary meeting at the club. Chaddy (real name Kevin Williams) was warned about his conduct at the recent Blackpool fixture following a fisticuffs with Bloomfield bear in the FA Cup last December. The incident brought about a police enquiry and a warning from the Football League. Chaddy was told to stay away from the Blackpool fans and agreed not to go near them but he did approach them with the intention of taking a penalty, an incident which incensed the Blackpool fans. A steward was instructed to remove the ball to diffuse any potential situation which could have resulted in Blackpool supporters encroaching on to the pitch. Chaddy Resigns
Chaddy the Owl has resigned as Athletic’s mascot of five seasons following a disciplinary meeting at the club. Chaddy (real name Kevin Williams) was warned about his conduct at the recent Blackpool fixture following a fisticuffs with Bloomfield bear in the FA Cup last December. The incident brought about a police enquiry and a warning from the Football League. Chaddy was told to stay away from the Blackpool fans and agreed not to go near them but he did approach them with the intention of taking a penalty, an incident which incensed the Blackpool fans. A steward was instructed to remove the ball to diffuse any potential situation which could have resulted in Blackpool supporters encroaching on to the pitch. Alan Hardy explained, “Kevin has broken the code of conduct on numerous occasions and the club had warned him of his conduct asking him to follow the guidelines. Unfortunately he continued to disobey those orders which led us to give him a final warning. Should his actions have caused an incident it may have been very grave for the club. Had it been a player then we would have taken the same action and possibly a fine. Kevin has done a terrific job for the club over many years and I would like to thank him for his efforts.”
Sean Jarvis added, “Kevin's action can't be condoned. He is a figurehead for not only the club but for our younger supporters. He should be a role model to them. It is sad that Kevin has left but the show must go on and we will be looking for applications for the new Chaddy.”
Chaddy the Owl said, “I’ve quit as Chaddy. I’m gutted to be going because I’ve loved it. But I’ve always done this for the club not the board. It isn’t what was said but the way it was said. It was bullying, arrogant and absolutely disgusting. I have been in trouble before and it is always farcical and always when the team isn’t doing well. I get the butt-end of the frustrations and it has taken the fun away. I am a very easy-going person but that was the final straw. I won’t be bullied. I feel it was undeserved after all my efforts. It is the children that kept me going. It was great to know I was helping the fans of the future but I was banging my head against a brick wall all the time with the club. They did really well out of me with all the merchandise. I will miss the smiles on people’s faces and the pictures with the children and I’d like to thank all the fans who were so good me. I’ve had many happy memories with Oldham Athletic.”