What a home coming! It was great to be back in Oldham today at the Civic Centre and then Boundary Park to celebrate Oldham Athletics’ play-off final win at Wembley and promotion back to the Football League after a 3 year absence, attended by a record-breaking 52,115!
It was fantastic to see so many fans gather in Oldham to see the team bus return and then thousands at the parade and Party in the Park at Boundary Park.
Local clubs have to be a businesses, that’s the reality of paying the bills, but they are much more than that. They are part of a town’s identity, and owners who understand that and embrace it as true custodians are rare. We are incredibly fortunate to have the Rothwell’s at the helm with Oldhams own football “Royle family” driving its future alongside them.
And there is something very special about so many Oldhamers singing, clapping and even crying together – in joy – it really lifts the soul.
This is a new era and the future is bright!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 