HARRY’S GAME...
‘Stability is the key for Latics’
THE framed pictures of Joe Royle proudly leading Oldham in their Premier League days still adorn the walls inside a decaying Boundary Park.
It’s a legacy of an era when Andy Ritchie, Mike Milligan, Roger Palmer and Earl Barrett mixed it with the big boys of football.
Many an elite club were sent packing on the tricky artificial surface in front of supporters who were living the dream.
Fast forward from the early ’90s to now and the dream has turned into a nightmare.
Under unpopular owner Abdallah Lemsagam six managers have come and gone in his two-and-a-half year reign. Former Leeds and Liverpool star Harry Kewell is the latest to try his luck on the Oldham carousel.
After being out of the game for almost two years, following his sacking after just 14 games in charge at Notts County, the Aussie is just glad for another opportunity.
He said: “I’m excited and hungry to keep working hard to take this club forward.
“After the frustration of not being able to get into management straight away, taking a little time out reflecting and watching games, I couldn’t wait to get back. I’ve told the owner we are going to create a never say die attitude.
“The one thing this club needs is stability. If we get that then we can start to grow things.
“There is no room for anyone dropping off. We’ve got to be fully committed and be together. I need the support of everybody.”
Those who have departed, which includes Paul Scholes, have advised him that first and foremost to make sure he is able to pick the team.
Tales of interference from the boardroom in team selections are rife with Scholes, who only lasted 31 days at his hometown club.
Scholes said: “I’d heard certain things before I went in but you always think you will be able to change it and make things better.
“I loved working with the players. The facilities weren’t great but I knew that. At times there was no hot water, coffee machines were ripped out. It was a bit of a mess but that wasn’t the reason why I left.
“There had been subtle hints about team selection but I felt it was time to go when I was told not to play a couple of players.” Dino Maamria was sacked following a turbulent period off the field in which the club survived a winding-up petition by finally settling a debt owed to HM Revenue and Customs, and also avoided going into administration by repaying money claimed by two former owners.
Maamria cited “different visions in moving the club forward” for his sudden departure. It’s understood he hadn’t spoken to the owner for three-and-a-half months.
Roy Butterworth, who has been Oldham’s matchday press officer since 1963, admitted: “It seems an eternity away now from those barmy days under Joe Royle. Even before Joe arrived Jimmy Frizzell had helped put the club on the map.
“Being in League Two now though means there is no safety net. Relegation would be a disaster.”
But for now Kewell wants to put a smile back on Oldham faces.