5th May 2000   

Reserves draw
Lib Dems to hold talk with Latics

ATHLETIC are confident that their plans for a new stadium will go ahead, despite the massive political upheaval in Oldham. The long-running saga took a new twist last night when the Labour group — staunch supporters of Sports Park 2000 — lost control of the council to the Liberal Democrats. But the new ruling party pledged today that Athletic and Oldham RL club still have every chance of moving to a joint-use stadium. Although he warned that certain details have yet to be ironed out, Council Leader Richard Knowles gave his backing to the controversial proposals. "We have always been in favour," said Councillor Knowles, who replaced the ousted John Battye. "There are a number of issues that need to be sorted out, especially the way it will be financed by sources other than the council, but Oldham Athletic know we support the principle of a new stadium."

Liberal Democrat officials are expected to hold talks with Athletic and the Roughyeds once the dust has settled on their victory. But Athletic chairman David Brierley said: "I don't have any reservations about what has happened because we can work closely with anyone. "I'm sure they will be pro-active and, although it's early days, the prospects do look promising." Roughyeds chairman Christopher Hamilton confirmed he will approach Councillor Knowles "to establish what the position is now and what it is likely to be in the future". Plans for a stadium were in place before the liquidation of Oldham Bears and before the launch of Oldham RLFC (1997) Limited two and a half years ago. Added Mr Hamilton: "Since we formed the new club in the autumn of 1997 we have been dealing with John Battye in talks on the stadium. "There have been delays for various reasons and, in real terms, not at lot of progress has been made while the Roughyeds have been in existence. "We now have a change in the political scene which may affect the situation, but there is nothing more I can say at this stage other than to confirm that I will be seeking talks."

Meanwhile, Athletic end their season tomorrow with a trip to mid-table Luton. Victory would secure a top-10 finish and veteran midfielder John Sheridan makes a surprise return from injury. Sheridan will be on the bench, while Craig Dudley is set to partner Stuart Thom in attack

Athletic: Kelly, Jones, Garnett, Hotte, S McNiven, Holt, Innes, Boshell, Duxbury, Dudley, Thom. Subs (from): Futcher, Sheridan, Tipton, Whitehall, Sugden, Miskelly. 

WHEN Athletic last met Luton, the match proved a massive turning point for a side low on confidence, low on points and as low as it got in the league table. Back in early October, Mark Allott’s injury-time header lifted Athletic from bottom spot for the first time all season. It also launched a run of only three defeats in 17 games as Andy Ritchie’s revivalists dismissed all danger of the drop. When the campaign ends with tomorrow’s rematch at Kenilworth Road, victory for Athletic would secure a top-10 place which seemed out of the question when Allott struck his winner. The transformation began when Ritchie, after wincing through the first half against Luton, tore into his players during the break. He thought it was the lowest point of his managerial career and the tirade could be heard all around the bowels of Boundary Park. Athletic went in front, but then did their best to throw it away when Gary Kelly broke Stuart Thom’s collarbone and, in the process, conceded a farcical late equaliser. Mark Hotte came on, Allott intervened at the death and the rest, they will happily reflect, is history.

Yet, despite defeat, it was also a time of huge relief for Luton. The club’s future had been in doubt due to a boardroom battle, but they were just about to come out of receivership. During seven uncertain months, manager Lennie Lawrence had seen part of his responsibility stripped away. He was effectively working with the shackles on, having to ask the receivers’ permission to make signings, even if only on loan. Worse than that, star players were being sold off while he helplessly stood aside. Bills had to be paid and the only way to stay in business was to cash in on the biggest assets. Sean Evers went to Reading, Kelvin Davies and Chris Willmott to Wimbledon and Graham Alexander to Preston — combined fee £1.45 million. Even though the club is now safe, Lawrence recently had to raise more funds by selling Gary Doherty to Tottenham for £1million. Against that backdrop, Luton have performed a minor miracle to steer clear of danger. They even edged towards the play-off places at one point, only for a young team to find it a step too far. Lawrence himself has called upon all his vast experience to plot a safe course through the turmoil. The triumph over adversity has prompted him to hail this season as one of the most memorable of his 18 years in management.

Lawrence’s next problem is persuading Phil Gray, the former Northern Ireland striker, and Marvin Johnson, his captain and stalwart defender, to sign new contracts. And, of course, there is the ever-present danger of a big club moving in for his players. Sixteen-goal top scorer Liam George is the most obvious target as Lawrence tries to build a team which can challenge for promotion next season.But keep an eye on teenage wing-back Matthew Taylor, who stepped up straight from the youth team and is guaranteed to attract droves of scouts to this hotbed of emerging talent