14th June 2000
14th June 2000 OLDHAM chairman Christopher Hamilton has apologised for his outburst over the club’s enforced move from Boundary Park. Mr Hamilton has accepted that his comments regarding the Boundary Park “eviction” were insensitive. After clear-the-air talks with Athletic chairman David Brierley, which took place as contractors were beginning work on the pitch, the rugby club boss regrets his outburst when he broke the news. Athletic officials were clearly angry at the way Mr Hamilton handled what was a delicate situation and both parties have agreed the need to avoid such problems in the future.
Mr Hamilton said: “Having visited Boundary Park when the work commenced, I can see that the pitch problems are worse than we imagined and that Athletic officials had no alternative but to start the work. “Both parties are now clearly focused on the future and moving forward together in a positive manner.” Mr Brierley commented: “Christopher Hamilton has accepted that Athletic had kept him informed at all times. From as far back as April, our consultants were advising of the need for major renovation works and the pitch has deteriorated further since then. “We have had an on-going dialogue with the rugby league club and I am pleased to put the matter behind us now that he has put the record straight.” The two chairmen have agreed to have regular meetings which will, in the future, prevent the embarrassing exchange of last week.
Meanwhile, Spotland will be all-seater when Oldham go there on Sunday for their big clash with Widnes Vikings. The closure of the popular side and the terraced Sandy Lane end for redevelopment work means seats only in the main stand and the new stand at the Pearl Street end. The current ground capacity is 4,500, but Oldham officials urge fans to get there early. A section in the centre of the Pearl Street stand will be reserved for the club’s Seton Stand season-ticket holders. Blocks of seats in the main stand will be reserved for George Hill stand season-ticket holders, both upper and lower. Specific seats cannot be allocated so early arrival is advisable. Turnstile admission prices for fans are £9 for the main stand (£5 concessions) and £7 for Pearl Street (£4 concessions). To help fans with no transport, the club has booked five double-decker buses to leave the club shop on Union Street at 1.45 pm and return ten minutes after the end of the game. Bookings are being taken on 628-3677 between 9 am and 5 pm up to and including Friday and on 627 2141 between 9 am and 1 pm on Saturday. The return fare is £1.50.
Young defender listed
Latics defender Scott McNiven has been placed on the transfer list following his refusal to sign a new contract. The 21-year-old has made more than 160 appearances for the Boundary park outfit but this week rejected a new two year deal with the club. The Scottish youngster who has represented his country at both under 18 and under 21 level, would be happy to sign a new deal if it was the right one. He said: "I've been offered a two-year deal which I rejected because I had been hoping for a better one. "I would like to point out that I am not looking to move on, simply disappointed by what I have been offered." He concluded by saying that: "I am happy at the club where the lads are great and I like playing for Andy Ritchie who, I believe, is a good manager."
Problem pitch repaired
The Latics have completed the £30,000 re-fit of their troublesome pitch at Boundary Park. The pitch, which has caused the Boundary Park staff problems in the past, has been totally re-seeded and the ground staff are eagerly awaiting the growth of the new surface. One and a half inches of the top playing surface was taken off and the existing root zones were re-cultivated in preparation for next season. Officials are now relying on the elements to ensure the pitches availability for the pre-season friendly against Leeds United on August 6th.