Time is running out but talks continue

Last updated : 29 June 2003 By The Chairman

Athletic owe a massive £294,000 for PAYE and NIC contributions and are still carrying a deferred payment arrangement in respect of last year's PAYE which has been reneged. If wages are paid this month another £95,000 would then become due making a total of £389,000 by 19th. July. The Customs and Excise are also owed £146,000 and with wages due for June of £150,000 it means that Athletic will need to raise £685,000 over the next month. This total does not even cover general commodities or day to day running expenses.

Talks continue in an effort to save the club and Sean Jarvis said, “Meetings have been held at various locations throughout Saturday going into last night with more planned for today and this evening. There has been some encouraging signs from potential investors but it often takes a quantum leap to go from showing intetrest to investing in the Club. There have been reports of multi millionaires saving the Club. I would love to say that this was the case but as far as we are aware it is simply untrue. If there are any individuals out there I would urge them to come forward as soon as possible, particularly as each day passes the players (which are our biggest assets) can soon walk free.”

“What's more, it is increasingly becoming inevitable that we will have to sell one of the players to simply survive. Obviously we want to avoid this but that prospect is rapidly approaching. Whilst I am not able to undertake the transaction of a sale I understand there has been a couple of bids for one of our players. I also understand that one of the bids, if accepted, would get us through this very difficult period and give us a fighting chance and allow us to move to the next stage. There has been some interest from some parties but not to the degree that is needed. We arguably need one and a half million simply to get us through the next three months. From there with the plans we have the Club can be rebuilt.”

“We have created an excellent vision and plan for a potential investor which includes revenue from a number of sources for the medium and long term. The plan also embraces the heart of the community and puts the Club in their hands. A big part of that will of course be the Supporters Trust but we are still faced with a 'blockage' of getting half a million in immediately. I stress again that we would like to avoid selling any player but it is rapidly heading that way. No staff and players have been paid so the situation is very grave and morale is pretty low although we are continuing to fight as hard as we can. I am of course hopeful and have a number of further meetings planned throughout Sunday and on Monday morning. I will endeavour to attract interest.”

“The feeling in the Town is crystal clear - nobody wants to see the Club go under. One of the first things you see when you come off the motorway is the Club and the last thing we want is a closed sign on the ground. Boundary Park should arguably be a jewel in Oldham's crown and when visitors come off the motorway they should see something that impresses them. I firmly believe that Latics puts Oldham on the map and we don't want the Town to be associated
with a Football Club that has closed. If we were to go under then the chain reaction it would create would I believe would be devastating for the Town. Naturally Rugby would face an uncertain future and revenue generated from visiting traffic in the Town would be hit hard. The mood in the Town would be very low which leads to a constant downward spire.”

“I once again urge any supporters or anybody of Oldham not to let this happen. If there is any individual out there that can help please come forward. Furthermore please support the Supporters Trust. It is vital that they raise £250,000 at least, as soon as possible. With regards to the Supporters Trust I hope to bring some news in the next few days that may help contribute to that target. In the meantime back the trust as much as you can.” Anyone wishing to help should pledge to Keep The Faith