A young lady asked me in the pub on Saturday "Are you going to Oldham?" . Well, what are gonna do ,eh? Open net, no goalie.
Anyway, this week's match preview and chance to reminisce takes us to the dark side of the Pennines. A short hop over Saddleworth and we're Boundary Park bound.
My first memory of visiting Boundary Park would probably be the opening day of the disastrous '74-'75 season which started with a 2-1 defeat to the Latics and finished with ignominious relegation. The most vivid memory undoubtedly the 1980 riot which led to a 4 match away ban on Wednesday fans (not that that stopped quite a few of us from still going!) and the closure of the terraces at Hillsborough for 4 home games.
A quick glance at the records reveals that trips to Oldham in the league have not often been an enjoyable day out with only 3 wins in 21 attempts. One of those was of course last season, another that really sticks out was a 3-0 success during Howard Wilkinson's promotion season.
As for players who have appeared for both clubs, well they include one bonafide Owls legend. That's right - Leon Clarke had a spell on loan with Oldham! Apart from that there was, of course, John Sheridan. Others that spring to mind are Paul Warhurst, John Ryan, Earl Barrett, Rodger Wylde, Simon Stainrod and present incumbent Shefki Kuqi - I'm sure you can add a few others.
Of our current squad, COG was once at Oldham,while ROD had a short loan spell with them a copule of years ago and JJ had a couple of spells there (while with Bolton I think)
You'd never describe Boundary Park as a pretty ground but it's functional and the away end gives a decent enough view these days - and we always get plenty of tickets. So looking forward to good atmosphere and personally I predict a 1-1 draw (don't read too much into that though, I always predict 1-1 on the basis that if I predict a win the footballing gods will punish us 'cos I got too cocky and, on the other hand I can't bring self to write a losing prediction!)
I told 'em Oldham
posted on 6/12/11
I still shudder about it to this day.
posted on 6/12/11
"Oh, it existed - I saw it with my own eyes! Of course, it may not have been his, he could've just borrowed it"
What's the protocol on loaning gardening implements to footballers? I mean, I'd have no trouble with lending Dave Rushbury my wheelbarrow, but would youtrust, say, Leon Clarke with your lawnmower? I'd certainly let Mick Lyons use my hedge trimmer, but what to do if Reda asked to borrow a hoe?
posted on 6/12/11
And you would'nt lend Madine your lighter either
posted on 6/12/11
Even though its not a gardening implement
posted on 6/12/11
So would you put him in charge of the barbecue?
posted on 6/12/11
No! he tends to burn everything.
posted on 6/12/11
Roger Wylde and John Sheridan playing against us was not comfortable for the fan or the player..
..a bit like Hirsty running out onto the pitch ( late entry down the tunnel ) wearing the Southampton shirt..
..myself all three..
.. however there were the odd mongs that booed, cos' they thought it was big..
.. however, tears ran down my face without shame, when I saw Peter Swan run out of the tunnel, on his return to the Hillsbro' pitch
posted on 6/12/11
I will not be clapping Creswell
posted on 6/12/11
Taps down some digger flake into the old pipe
posted on 6/12/11
If you lent Clarke your lawn mower he'd cut his own toes off!