Ahead of the start of the new season, the club is able to provide an update in relation to its media coverage and the services available for supporters.
As a result of relegation, fans may notice certain changes due to the requirements of the National League and the club losing the support of the EFL in a number of areas.
The club has worked hard in an effort to make sure any changes are minimal and trust supporters will bear with us while we adapt to the new league.
Audio commentary
We are very pleased to confirm that audio commentary will continue to be available from Latics matches this season through the club’s official website. We are aware of how important this service is to supporters who are unable to attend games and have worked hard to ensure that commentary continues.
Although it has been necessary to change the name of iFollow Latics to Latics Player, commentary can be accessed by supporters in the same way as recent seasons.
Commentary is available through monthly passes (£4.49) or a season-long subscription (£45.00), ensuring you are able to help support the club from a game even if you are unable to attend.
Audio commentary will be provided by the media team with Latics legend Roy Butterworth again behind the microphone in his 59th season at the club.
Whereas in the EFL it is a necessary for all clubs to provide ISDN facilities, there is no such requirement in the National League. As a result, commentary from away games may sometimes be provided by different means, and while we will always try to ensure the quality of the audio is as good as possible, fans may notice that the coverage does vary at different away grounds.
Streaming
The live streaming of games is unfortunately not permitted by the National League. This sadly means that midweek games and matches for overseas supporters will not be available to watch.
Match footage and highlights
All clubs in the three divisions of the National League are embargoed from sharing match footage or highlights on any media platform until midnight on Monday after a Saturday game, or 10pm the following day after a midweek fixture.
This means that we are unable to publish any goals, clips or highlights on social media or YouTube until this time.
The National League themselves are able to show footage before this time and will usually upload a short highlights package on their own website a Sunday afternoon. There is also a weekly National League highlights show on BT Sport on a Sunday evening.
Whereas the EFL will film all games themselves from a main camera position and distribute a recording to clubs, match footage in the National League is provided by the home club, meaning the quality may vary on occasions.
Matchday programme
The club is again pleased to confirm that it will continue to issue a 48-page printed matchday programme this season.
We recognise that the programme is again an important part of the matchday experience and the club has wanted to ensure the programme continues in its current format. As with last season, we are keen to use the programme to provide supporters with exclusive content and original features which differ from our online content.
Online programme subscriptions will be available and further details will be shared ahead of the opening home game against Dorking next weekend.
As we are sure supporters will appreciate, the make-up of the National League this season means a large number away games involve significant travelling distances. Although the media team will always try to ensure content is uploaded as quickly as possible after matches, the speed often depends on the availability of internet access and travelling arrangements when returning from games.
The club’s media output is put together by a small team, all of whom have followed Latics as either media or supporters in previous years. We are always looking to make sure our content is as engaging is possible and would always welcome feedback. If you would like to contact the media team at any time during the season, please email media@oldhamathletic.co.uk.
Thank you for your continued support!