Oldham Athletic

Oldham Athletic AFC issued a statement on 24 May 2022 regarding the accommodation for fans for the forthcoming season in the National League.

It was pointed out in the statement that counterclaims would be made against the Club’s decision and it has been noted that those with an agenda to put financial interests before safety and security have indeed made false and misleading statements which they have relied upon to demean Club Officials.

It is important that our fans fully understand the situation with regard to the North Stand and we apologise for repeating the reasons for not using the stand.

The Club has a duty of care towards its supporters and whilst it is acknowledged that the North Stand is the more modern facility, first and foremost the Club has to be satisfied that those running the facility are doing so in accordance with the Safety Certificate and other football related legislation and regulations.

Whether young or old, every building has to be deemed suitable by the Local Authority.

Whilst the physical features required by the Safety Certificate are important, procedural matters are equally significant. Therefore fans entering all parts of the stadium need to be aware that security and entry provisions decreed by legislation are practised accordingly. 

Those operating the North Stand do not accept that such provisions apply to them whilst also suggesting that the building is outside the control of the football club on matchdays.

This can never be the position on a matchday when the North Stand is also covered by legislation

Therefore, during certificate hours this must involve fans producing their ticket with the ability for stewards or police to search them. This is widely accepted throughout the stadium and indeed in football generally, but not by the North Stand management.

There is little point having the use of a new facility if fans are compromised by a failure of management to acknowledge these legal requirements.

Until those charged with the responsibility of running the North Stand accept the need to conform with legislation the club’s hands are tied and therefore we  have no option but to not use the facility.

Once again we apologise to our fans for not having these facilities available but it is hoped that this explanation is helpful in clarifying matters.

A number of fans have reported the lack of facilities in the remaining stands and we will work towards rectifying these faults.

We appreciate that disabled supporters have concerns about a suitable venue and again we will be working hard to resolve matters for those affected.