The first celebrity in the chair was Chief Executive Alan Hardy who gave a summary of his 26 years at Boundary Park by highlighting his highs and lows of his time at Boundary Park. His all time high was quoted as the "Royle Years" of management when the club achieved the pinnacle of their history by bringing on the likes of Everton, Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester United and the like in the miracle runs that took the club twice to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, a League Cup final appearance at Wembley and ultimately promotion to the old First Division and eventually founder membership of the new Premier League. He quoted his all-time low, surprisingly, as the semi-final loss in that eventful FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. One would have expected the dark years of almost extinction from football as a lower low but not in the eyes of Mr. Hardy, although the game could have been seen as the start of the downward trend in fortunes. He stated that his favourite all time player at Boundary Park was Andy Ritchie but he also gave an honourable mention for newly appointed boss John Sheridan.
Alan was also asked about the current situation with the scoreboard but he passed the question over to Sean Jarvis to answer. Sean said that he was currently negotiating with a local company, Digital Projections, and they have identified a new type of digital projection screen which would be seen as as the best way forward and would probably be the first of it's type in the whole of the Football League. It would use twin projectors which would display an image on a huge surface attached to the roof of the stand. The projected cost of such a system would be around £25,000 - £30,000 although the Latics only have £1,500 currently set aside in the coffers for the project.
Sean said, "We've not really started any kind of fundraising yet. When we do, we'll be able to have something up that this football club can be proud of. We will eventually get there."
Next on the podium was recently resigned goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi who admitted that he almost walked away from the English game and considered a return to Australian football as some offers came in. Poggsy said, "Coming back to Boundary Park felt like coming home. When I got the call from Simon Corney in the summer, I knew that returning to Oldham was the right move for me. I could see the writing on the wall at the start of last season. I clearly wasn't in Ronnie Moore's plans, so I decided I had to do something about it myself. Ronnie didn't talk to me about it so I moved to Blackpool."
"I was ready to go back to Australia, to be honest. With all the buzz surrounding the national side's World Cup campaign, I thought this was a new beginning for Australian football. But I missed Sky Sports News, all the Premiership gossip, all the coverage in the newspapers, and all the other aspects of British football. I knew I had to get back and then the call came from Simon. I feel a really affinity with this club. It's every Australian player's dream to play in England, and Oldham gave me that opportunity. I feel so much gratitude towards this club and its supporters, who are outstanding."
He also admitted that his time was a disaster at Blackpool and confessed that he had to shake his head a few times and ask himself, "What am I doing here?" when he went training with the Seasiders and had to change in the "wooden hut" at the side of the blustery airport. He went on, "Oldham really is a family club, from the owners and Alan Hardy to the ladies in the laundry, the tea ladies, the office staff, I can't leave anyone out. I'm able to come into work and really focus on my game without having to contend with any hassle behind the scenes like there sometimes was at Blackpool. I feel comfortable again. I basically came back because of John Sheridan. He's hard but fair, and has this amazing calming presence. He's always in control, is never fazed by anything, and gives you confidence in yourself."
Finally manager John Sheridan took control of the mike in the hot seat. Shez was given a round of applause for the sterling job that he has begun and was congratulated for his team's first win over Swansea on Saturday. Shez was asked how he felt about the transition from player to manager and said, "I feel ready for the job now, whereas when I was caretaker a couple of years ago, I perhaps wasn't. I'm very confident in my own ability, and with one or two more players I think we can realistically get top into the two this season. I honestly believe that providing we don't get too many injuries. I'm trying to teach the players to play my way. They shouldn't want to play at this level. They should be aiming higher, and I want to help them achieve that. I want my players to be comfortable and happy. That will, of course, make them better players but I will be the hard man if neccessary."
"I want a good relationship with the fans. I'm a very approachable, laid-back person, and I'll have a laugh and a joke and a pint with anyone. This job really excites me, and I want to do well for myself but for the club first and foremost."
When asked about who his favourite players were to play alongside he had no hesitiation in naming Chris Waddle and Paul McGrath as his all-time greats. He went on to say that the game that gave him the most pleasure was when he appeared for Ireland in the World Cup clash with Italy in 1994, when Shez scored and the Irish beat the Italians but a close run second was when he returned to play at Sheffield Wednesday under Iain Dowie. He described it as, "Special! I'd never played for the opposition at Hillsborough before, and the reception the fans gave me was something that I'll never forget. More amazingly we got a penalty awarded within about two minutes and I scored it."
The final question was inevitable and was directed about the time that Shez brought down Andy Barlow in THAT game for THAT penalty that gave the Latics THAT finish to one of their biggest games ever. Sheridan was asked whether he intentionally brought down Barlow to which he responded, "Of course I did. I'd much rather Oldham won the title than West Ham!"
Many thanks to all involved for organising the evening. More supporters should attend such an informative evening that gives the terraces a chance to intermingle with the big names at the club.