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Ex-Landlord's Guide to Oldham:
Oldham Athletic v Hereford United
Football League 1
Sunday 12th October 2008 KO 2.00 pm.
Boundary Park
Furtherwood Road, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL1 2PA
Phone 0871 226 2235
The history of The Latics can be traced back to the late nineteenth century with the formation of Pine Hill FC, a Pub team run from the Featherstall and Junction Hotel. The demise of local team Oldham County saw Pine Hill take over their ground and change their name to Oldham Athletic. They celebrated 100 years at Boundary Park in 2006 and have enjoyed continuous League football since joining in 1907. They rapidly progressed to Division 1 and finished runners-up to Everton before football was suspended during the 1914/18 war. Upon the resumption of football in 1919, Oldham struggled for a few years before being relegated to Division 2 at the end of 1922/23. Their fortunes on the field varied for many years eventually finding themselves having to apply for re-election to Division 4 in 1959 and 1960. They survived but fortunes did not really improve until the appointment of Jimmy Frizzell in 1970. In just four years, Frizzell got them two promotions and firmly established then as a second tier Club. After twelve years at the helm, Frizzell left to be replaced by Joe Royle who provided further success with an FA Cup semi-final and in 1991, promotion back to the top flight. A second twelve-year tenancy saw Royle eventually depart to be followed by a succession of managers that included Brian Talbot and current Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore. The result of financial cramp and several managerial changes was a fall to the now League 1.
The present Manager, John Sheridan arrived in 2006 and has provided hope of a return to the higher leagues with a play-off place in '07 and their present lofty position this season. Without doubt, the financial stability provided by their trio of American businessmen owners has helped no end.
Visiting fans are accommodated in part of the seated Leesfield Developments Stand at one end of the ground.
Admission: Adults £20, Juniors (12-16) £11, Senior Citizens £11, U12's £3. There are no student prices on the Oldham Official site although there is a "before the day" ticket price reduction of £2 on all but U12 costs available on advance tickets bought through HUFC office before 4.00 pm on Thursday.
Coach Travel: HUISA - Departs from Legends at 9.00 am. Fare £15 (HUFC and HUISA members £14). Tickets available in Legends before the Walsall game or through the Club office (08442 761939).
HUMADS - Departs Malvern (coach depot) 07.15, Ledbury 07.30, Legends 08.00. Fare £15 (U14's £5). Contact Reg on 01684 572945/07958 176937.
FUNBUS - The 17-seater minibus will depart from Legends at 9.00 am prompt. Fare £15ish. Contact Ben on 07812 144831. Please arrive in time to board and leave at 9.00.
BY CAR: Oldham is on the eastside of Manchester and can be accessed from either the south via the M60 (this involves a difficult navigation through Oldham to get to Boundary Park) or from the north via the M62/A627(M).
If you choose the south route, leave the M6 at J19 then take the A556 before joining the M56 east (sign M60). Continue onto the M60 before leaving at J21 then follow signs for Oldham passing McDonalds on your left. Continue through several sets of traffic lights and down Broadway before branching left up the slip-road just before the start of the A627(M). Then, take the third exit on the roundabout for the official car park.
For the northern route, leave the M6 at J21 joining the M62 east. Continue onto the M60 (sign Leeds, Bolton) and then continue again to the M62 (sign Huddersfield, Rochdale). Leave the M62 at J20 following signs for Oldham and join the A627(M). Leave the A627(M) at the second junction with PC World on your left (sign A627). The ground is clearly visible from the roundabout. Take the first exit for Oldham’s official car parks. Cars £3, Minibuses £5 and Coaches £10.
Distance is around 150 miles and you should allow three and a half hours. Postcode OL1 2PA.
Map: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?zoom=13&countryCode=GB&qs=OL12PA
The provision of liquid fortitude.
Oldham fans have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming but local Pubs are fairly ordinary and no alcohol is served in the away end. The choice, close to the ground, is OK but unspectacular. The Chadderton Park Inn can be found in Burnley Lane across from the roundabout as you leave the A627(M) and is a ten-minute walk from the away end. A little closer in Oldham Road is The Old Grey Mare. This is used by home fans but also accepts visitors and is one of the better-presented alehouses in the area. The White Hart is also in Oldham Road about 150 yards from the Mare. The Clayton Arms is the nearest to the ground being behind the home end. Its location means it is mainly home fans but, in truth, they are less dangerous than the JW Lees' beer that is sold... not my favourite pint. The Up Steps Inn is the local 'Spoons outlet and can be found in the centre of Oldham at 17 High Street. For the adventurous I suggest a trip out to The Church at Uppermill where you should chance upon the rarely found Saddleworth Brewery beers. Finally, and most notably, The Ashton Arms is located in Clegg Street, Oldham. This one is "proper", at least six pumps and often including a cider.
