Oldham Athletic News

Turbulent Times at Boundary Park: Oldham Athletic's Recent Challenges and Highlights

Oldham Athletic Football Club, the Latics, have been making headlines in early 2026 for a mix of on-pitch drama, off-field disputes, and heartwarming community initiatives. As the team battles in League Two, external pressures and internal triumphs paint a vivid picture of a club resilient in the face of adversity.

One of the most prominent stories revolves around a heated disagreement with Oldham Rugby League Football Club (ORLFC), also known as the Roughyeds, over the shared use of Boundary Park. The two clubs entered a 10-year ground-sharing agreement in 2024, allowing Roughyeds to return to their historic home after years away. However, tensions escalated when no rugby matches were played at the stadium this season. Roughyeds were forced to relocate their Challenge Cup second-round tie against Orrell St James to Bower Fold in Stalybridge, and they plan to do the same for their upcoming third-round clash with Dewsbury on February 8.

In a statement released on January 24, Roughyeds refuted rumors of unpaid bills or financial woes, calling such claims "disingenuous." They revealed that their chairman, Bill Quinn, is under a 12-month ban from Boundary Park due to allegations from Oldham Athletic's board, which he denies and is challenging legally. The rugby club highlighted a contractual financial dispute, with both sides claiming the other owes revenues. Roughyeds proposed mediation as per the agreement's terms, which would lead to a binding decision, but alleged that Oldham Athletic refused. As a result, they deemed Boundary Park unavailable and had to find an alternative venue at short notice, expressing disappointment at moving outside the borough and thanking Stalybridge Celtic for their assistance. The club has sought legal advice and contacted local authorities to explain the situation.

Oldham Athletic responded swiftly on January 26, expressing disappointment in Roughyeds' statement. The Latics' board clarified that Boundary Park was fully available for the January 25 fixture in accordance with the Ground Share Agreement and remains ready for future matches. They emphasized acting in good faith and fulfilling all obligations, while committing to constructive engagement through proper channels and respecting confidentiality. The club reserved its rights in the matter, signaling that the dispute may not be resolved quickly.

Amid this off-field turmoil, Oldham Athletic's on-pitch performances have provided fans with plenty of action. In a thrilling encounter on January 24, the Latics faced Barnet FC at The Hive, resulting in a narrow 3-2 defeat. Oldham took an early lead in the 11th minute through Tom Pett's strike. Barnet equalized in the 37th minute when Ryan Glover scored after a header from Danny Collinge off Anthony Hartigan's free-kick. Just before halftime, Hartigan won a penalty converted by debutant Kabongo Tshimanga. The second half saw Barnet reduced to ten men after Nik Tavares' red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity to Mike Fondop. Oldham capitalized, equalizing through Jack Stevens. However, Tshimanga struck again in the 87th minute to secure the win for Barnet, marking a brace on his debut.

Adding to the excitement, young loanee Kane Taylor from Aston Villa made his senior debut as a substitute in that match. The promising midfielder, who joined Oldham earlier in January, brought fresh energy to the squad, highlighting the club's focus on youth development amid challenging times.

Unfortunately, weather woes struck next. The Latics' fixture against Barrow on January 27 was postponed following a recommendation from the Safety Advisory Group after assessing conditions. This delay adds to the fixture congestion but gives the team time to regroup.

Looking ahead, Oldham return to Boundary Park this weekend for a crucial League Two clash against Cambridge United on matchday 28. With the ground dispute ongoing, this home game underscores the stadium's importance to the football club and its fans.

Beyond the pitch and disputes, Oldham Athletic has been involved in uplifting community efforts. Two local veterans' inspiring stories are being highlighted through the EFL's Scan to Smile campaign this January. Their tales of resilience and positivity are spreading across English football, aiming to bring smiles and awareness to mental health and veteran support. This initiative showcases the club's commitment to the Oldham community, providing a beacon of hope amid other challenges.

As Oldham Athletic navigates these turbulent waters, the blend of controversy, competition, and compassion keeps the Latics in the spotlight. Fans remain hopeful for resolutions and victories in the weeks ahead.

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Home of Oldham Athletic AFC

Opened 1904

Capacity 13,513

History (from Wikipedia)

There were plans in the late 1990s for a move to a new 20,000 seater stadium on adjoining waste ground, but these were scrapped.

On 15 February 2006, the club unveiled plans for the redevelopment of their current ground. The plans would see every stand other than the Rochdale Road End being redeveloped. When completed it would initially be a 16,000 seater stadium, estimated to cost £80 million, and with a working name of the "Oldham Arena".[8]

On 14 November 2007, Oldham Athletic received planning permission for the Broadway Stand, whilst Oldham Borough Council rejected the further development of the stadium due to local objections regarding the height and size of a proposed block of flats. On 12 December 2007, after amending the plans, another council meeting gave permission for redevelopment. Facilities would include conferencing and a hotel plus the option of a casino.[9]

Demolition of the Broadway Stand started on 8 May 2008, with the work completed before the start of the new season. The building of the new stand was due to commence in December 2008 and was expected to take 16 months.[10]

On 5 September 2008, Simon Blitz told podcast World Soccer Daily that although Oldham still planned to continue the development of Boundary Park and surrounding areas, the plans were on hold for now because of the financial crisis of 2007–2010 and the subsequent downturn in the UK property market.

Because of these problems, the club announced in the summer of 2009 that it was considering moving to a new stadium in Failsworth. This caused some controversy amongst supporters as despite Failsworth being officially part of the borough, it has a Manchester postcode. It is also only three miles from the City of Manchester Stadium and only one mile from the proposed new stadium of F.C. United of Manchester in Moston, Manchester. If all went to according to plan, the new stadium was anticipated to be ready for the beginning of the 2011–12 season.

After being led to believe by Oldham Council that the Failsworth site was a deliverable option, the club were extremely disappointed to hear that the Charities Commission had turned down their application. Oldham Athletic had wasted millions of pounds on drawing up plans, purchasing land and legal fees - and stated that 'confidence in the current council's ability to deliver any proposal for a new stadium is at zero.' [11]

On 28 July 2011 the council offered the club £5.7 million to help with their redevelopment fund of Boundary Park, which would involve the redevelopment of the Broadway Stand.[12]

Oldham Council confirmed planning approval for the new North Stand in April 2013, including a 2,671 capacity stand, a health and fitness suite, supporters' bar and event facilities. Demolition and preparatory work started in the summer of 2013.

Construction of the new North Stand is still ongoing, although the seating area in the stand was open for use on 17 October 2015 for the home match against Sheffield United. The new North Stand is significantly taller than the stand that it replaced although the capacity for supporters is roughly the same. The additional height allows for office space, corporate hospitality, retail opportunities and a gymnasium.

Things to do in Oldham.