Ritchie gives his views

Last updated : 07 July 2003 By Dave Moore

Latics legend Andy Ritchie has been talking about the predicament that his old club are currently going through and his views on the upcoming survival game. He said, “It shows the affinity that all the lads have got that they're coming from far and wide, people are living a long way away from here now and hopefully it will raise some well needed funds for the club. It should be a good day as well, it will be good to see all the lads again and hopefully, I think that shows their commitment. We want to raise funds but it will be tinged with a bit of sadness, really we shouldn't be having to do this, when you look at some of the other clubs around the area who have had their problems and seem to have come through it you just hope that Oldham can do it.”

“I know that the financial climate is a totally different kettle of fish now and the finances aren't there but hopefully there will be something that can be done. The longer it drags on the worse it is for the fans and for the people wholove the club and we've just got to wait and see now what the actual state of play is and hopefuly there will be someone who can pull them out of the mire. It's a big wrench because obviously I had my best years as a footballer here, I think getting on for nearly 15 years as a player and manager and you can't just brush that under the carpet."

"It's always there with you. Oldham's always been in my blood. I still live in the area and it's very disappointing for me and the same for all the other lads. It might mean that if they do survive, Oldham will have to sell players and they'll have to go back to consolidating in the 2nd division and then try and build up again. It will be a long process obviously but if it means the club surviving, you've got to do that.”