The Latic's plans for a new stadium appear to have been well and truly kicked into touch after the Charity Commission turned the down plans to swap land next to Failsworth Lower Memorial Park to allow the building of a new £20 million stadium.
Alan Hardy was devastated by the news and said that the club was considering ‘all options’ but cautiously commented, “One thing for certain is the long term future is not really at Boundary Park as it is now. But where else is there? Find me a 30 acre site - there isn’t one in Oldham. Our objective has always been, and remains, to provide a solution to the long term future of Oldham Athletic. Boundary Park cannot provide that, and it would appear that yet another genuine opportunity to cement that future has passed Oldham by. Having waited patiently for many months for an outcome to this lengthy and frustrating process, we are not only shocked by this outcome, but bitterly disappointed. Everything was bouyant - we had a terrific run of results, particularly after Tuesday’s magnificent victory, then the fans are hit with this bombshell.”
The club will be taking legal advice and Councillor John McCann said the authority was disappointed and ‘urgently considering’ detailed information in the commission’s ruling. He said, “There are several options open to us. We are examining the merits of each potential approach and we will make a public announcement as soon as we have made a final decision. One of those options is to appeal this decision which means it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on the matter at this stage.”
Failsworth Councillor Jim McMahon said, “Having a viable football club is essential for the confidence of the borough, but this whole process has been littered with flaws. The role of individual councillors should be investigated because it is clear members have not acted in the interests of the trust.”