Fans show loyalty to the Latics

Last updated : 13 July 2003 By Dave Moore
9,500 fans turned out in force to do their bit to save the history of Oldham Athletic, a team 108 years old. What a fantastic day in the sunshine it turned out to be. Big Joe Royle received a tremendous welcome as he lead the Wembley Wizards onto the Boundary Park pitch. Andy Rhodes, Denis Irwin, Andy Barlow, Nick Henry, Gary Williams, Neil Adams, Andy Ritchie, Frankie Bunn, Mike Milligan, Rick Holden and Neil Tolson all played for the Wizards. Paul Warhurst was there as a non playing sub. but it was revealed that Roger Palmer was sick and could not attend.


Earl Barrett and Richard Jobson managed the following players for the Millennium all stars: Jon Hallworth, Neil Pointon, John Kelly, Paul Jones, Lee Duxbury, Chris Waddle (guest), John Sheridan, Matthew Tipton (pictured), Iain Dowie, Tony Philiskirk, Lee Richardson and Paul Caton. Youth team players and the auction winners played as subs. while Paul Bernard was a non playing sub.


The Wizards won the game 6-4 but the score was irrelevant as it was the club that won the day! Iain Dowie spoke to the fans after the game and indicated that he was stopping at Boundary Park, a speech that was music to the ears of all Oldham fans. It spoke volumes for the feeling towards the club that all the players and staff gave their services to express their love and support for Oldham Athletic Football Club.

How fitting that a new Chairman will be unveiled on Monday with plans for the continued existence of the Latics. Many thanks have to go to the organisers, players, staff, Latics fans and especially the large number of football fans who proudly wore their own shirts and came out to support the beautiful game of football. Our gratitude cannot be expressed enough. Life could not have gone on for many locals without the Latics.