Directors disappointed about Arena leak

Phil Woolas MP and Latics Director Ian Hill were both extremely disappointed that the contents of a confidential letter regarding the new Arena were leaked to the press. Phil Woolas said, "I am extremely upset that the contents of Ian's letter to me have found their way onto the front page of local newspapers. I am fully committed to doing everything I can to ensure that the future of Oldham Athletic and the Arena Development is as bright as possible and will do whatever I can to ensure that this incident does not have a negative impact upon that."

Mr Hill went on, "The Borough, we are sure, realises that the Oldham Arena Development is not solely about the future of Oldham Athletic, but about providing facilities we believe are desperately needed and to make a statement about Oldham for all the right reasons as well as bringing new and real employment opportunities into the town. Despite having to suffer this setback and the demoralising effect this might have, Phil Woolas, the directors and owners of Oldham Athletic remain committed to working towards providing an Arena with facilities that the people of Oldham and its future generations can be rightly proud of."

Simon Corney (pictured), co-owner of the Latics, added, "Unfortunately this is symptomatic of a lot that is wrong within certain organisations in this town. No-one could have done more with regard to the Boundary Park development than Ian Hill and in all reality we would have scaled down our ambitions long ago if it were not for him driving the project forward. At this stage I am not prepared to make any further comment but should there be any additional contradiction or denials from those who seek to delay or derail the stadium development then I shall have no alternative but to go public with the details of our meetings that have taken place over the last three years."