Tractors Passing Through

Read this on another teams message board last night. First reaction I was really quite impressed. So many things to take into consideration with this endeavour - such as the weather elements, age of Mr Rothwell, the stamina to keep at it, the will to succeed, isolation at such a vast expanse of water etc. People of fewer character just wouldn't entertain the idea. Surely he's not going about this alone ? I mean there has to be a support team at hand or others involved at close proximity in case anything goes wrong. It's a great challenge and worthwhile cause but the idea of the man just setting out across the Atlantic as one individual without back up or nearby support seems maybe incredulous. Seems too risky as a standalone effort that's all. Whatever the circumstances it's for a very good cause. I've had family members suffer with the illness and it's a horrible condition that no-one should suffer. I wish Mr Rothwell every success in getting to and reaching his intended destination and hope it provides substantial funds and support for the charity / research chosen. As owner of OAFC it does send a very positive message to other clubs out there and something fans at Boundary Park can take pride in, a unique achievement when completed.

Some really good replies there, I went through them all. Thing here is - You don't have to be a fan or supporter of Oldham Athletic to enjoy these memories or relive those times with a certain excitement - just be of a certain age where you can recall it and remember a team coming from almost nowhere (to us neutrals anyway, no disrespect) having these games, taking on really big heavyweight opposition, beating them and being one of the (success) stories of an entire season. It only lasted a year or two didn't it. OIdham think dropped out the Premier League in what was it 1994, haven't made it back in the time since and we escaped on the final day that year. Didn't survive the season after though. Fell like a stone into the second league, it were a disaster. Someone mentioned the West Ham semi-final again. I remember it like yesterday. Had a friend at school, we was - and probably still is - a hammers nut, followed them through thick and thin but after the 6 - 0 game, didn't show up for school the net day. Think the reason gave was ill or had a cold or something but we all knew the truth behind it. He was simply embarrassed, too embarrassed to show his face the next day, it's one thing I'll always remember. 1989 - 90 I can still think back and recall Oldham making headlines time and again particularly in the second half of that season. You were back page news in The Sun after beating Aston Villa 3 - 0 in the F.A. Cup sixth round, even after all these years I can still picture it. You remember those games with Everton in an earlier round - course you do - the first 2 - 2 draw at Boundary Park, draw at Goodison in the replay then winning at the third attempt in the second replayed game. They would have had players like Graham Sharp, Cottee, Neville Southall and a whole team of stars and you took them on, played really well and advanced. Looking back now it was immense, I can still feel a sense of excitement. It's a shame other than reading about it here, so many people won't care or remember outside of these pages about just what went on in those games by way of enthrallment and intrigue. Around that time I had a 'soccer' annual where they devoted a whole feature to Oldham's season by way of game after game starting in August '89 right through to the Forest final and end of season. I think you missed out on promotion only just but what a read it was. Just wish I had retained it but it was a Shoot annual or something, kind of thing kids at school would have collected. I think they'd be obsolete in today's age unfortunately. You always wonder how did such a great team and manager only make waves like that over the course of 2 or 3 seasons. You had the time of your lives between 1989 and 1991 what with the promotion to the first division (now premier league) and all those great games and the Cup Final, but it ended almost as soon as it had started. I'd imagine a number of players like Ritchie, Marshall and Milligan etc were sold off or the team just became less, but once again for a short time alone you provided something that could never be repeated in Latics history. Reiteration isn't always necessary but if it's been said before, it's such a shame, it really is, to see Oldham where they are now in non-league rather than back then and making news and headlines time and again. Think maybe rambled on too much but just remember those games and seasons from that time. For whatever happens now and in the future, you'll always have that abiding memories and recollections. Thanks.

Here's the topic for what it's worth. Some fans won't remember it but it actually happened and what a team you put together back then. For some reason couldn't see any mention of it. Sorry if this has gone through twice, there was a message when posting about 'server problems' or something. Today - tonight - is the anniversary of the 3 - 1 League Cup win over Arsenal. 34 years back in 1989, I don't know where the time goes to. Was still at school back then but that season alone, Oldham made what the Final itself and took Manchester United to a replay in the other semi-final. You very nearly made two domestic finals, and what with the promotion to the 1st division the year after, it's kind of nice to look back on times like that. Anyway that night in 1989 today, Oldham had players like Mike Milligan, Ritchie, Frankie Bunn, Ian Marshall, Olney was it, just names I can remember from that time and they were League Champions and what a night it was. I bet (Latics) fans of a certain age can still be thrilled about what occurred that game. Not only that you beat a good Leeds team over two games and West Ham 6 - 0 in the semi-final, typing it out now it all comes flooding back the memories. Joe Royle as manager, the plastic pitch, Oldham having the best two seasons of their history. It were great, even for neutrals. Just wondered what people's memories of that Arsenal game were. I know you'd do almost anything to go back and relive again those times and great Latics team, and while you can't, at least we can look back and say those results and teams really did happen. For a while, it were great. Maybe you won't reach those heights again but for those of us who were there and can look back and remember, it was a night and season of Oldham's history that was remarkable. Really gave neutral fans a lift and wanted the team to do well. Ok ? Thanks.

Can't stand Ed Sheeran. Grew up in the 80's with proper music, nothing like the absolute garbage they put out today. The kid supports our team, for that he's acceptable, but for everything else, just a name I fail to recognise. Well done again on tonight. Seriously, wish Latics all the best in the season ahead, it's such a shame to see a one proud club where they are now. Joe Royle was manager for both, he was - and is - a great man.

Nice to see one of our former players doing well. Wasn't part of the managers plans towards the end and good to see the player can do a job for someone else. Still seems strange seeing Oldham in non-league. Well done on tonight, a big win and get yourselves back into the football league soon as you can. Do I have permission to start a one-off topic relating your club ?