TheBigDog

Why is it that whenever I read a post from Lee Sinnott these days I have this image in my head of him tapping the side of his nose whilst tilting his head ever so slowly to one side?

I bought mine online yesterday.

The guys I talk football with are what I call ‘proper’ football fans. They all follow their respective teams and have done for many years. We all take an interest in each other’s teams - and I have stood on the terraces at Brentford as well as watching Reading on occasion when Latics are not playing or I cannot get to the game. You use Southend as an example for not ‘caring less’ - and yes, while I have some sympathy for any manager who gets the sack, it has no real interest beyond that. However I keep abreast of what is happening at the guys teams (for example progress on Brentford’s new ground) because I know it’s important to them. When Scholes walked it was one topic of conversation over a few beers - I guess they care because they know that I do.

I too have followed Latics for over 50 years (with nearly 30 of those years as a season ticket holder) and I believe that the recent events have brought a new all time low in how the club is perceived by the rest of the football in this country. And this came at a time when the appointment of Scholes had raised the profile of the club and promised so much. I have friends who support teams from all levels of the ‘pyramid’ ranging from Man Utd and Leeds to Reading, Brentford and Leyton Orient. When Scholes resigned in the manner he did, I was left with an overriding sense of embarrassment and was unable to offer them a view based on the facts of the matter. I could only surmise as to what actually happened. Did Lemsagam interfere in team matters? Did Scholes realise that he just could not make it work on the pitch? Did the manner in which Scholes resigned reflect well on a man of his standing within the game? We simply do not have a true picture of what happened to cause Scholes to resign via WhatsApp and then sever all further communication with Lemsagam. All we have is a statement: "Unfortunately it became clear that I would not be able to operate as intended and was led to believe prior to taking on the role." plus the hearsay and rumours that are flying around. Subsequent to that we have seen an interview from Lemsagam in which he offers his version of events followed by the offer of a non-executive director role by way of appeasement. Is this merely a charm offensive from a man who realises that his running of the club is losing the fans? The truth lies somewhere in the middle I think Sorry to hear that you will not be renewing Flemboy, guys like you epitomise what a true fan is. Though I’m not quite there yet, my faith in the club is severely shaken. Will things change? I have to believe they will...for now at least.

My brother and I have both renewed today. Looking forward to lapping it up on Saturday ...

Seems to be a lot of young English talent around at the moment ...

Agree. If that happened, it would have to be implemented across all EUFA countries and need the agreement of all the big clubs. However one outcome could see the bigger clubs pushing for that oft touted European Super League where they can run their own league outside of EUFA. Maybe we need harsher penalties for clubs that spend beyond their means. Either way the rich clubs will simply get richer. whatever happens football will survive... and maybe even rediscover it’s soul

Unfortunately this will be the case and definitely NOT the full story

You write ’I’m not his friend’. I take that to mean that you don’t know the guy? Yet you attack his character and his integrity on this forum. No class.

Got to agree with kowenicki on this one. Shameful really.

He will.

Abdallah interview: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11730/11672621/oldham-owner-abdallah-lemsagam-denies-interfering-in-paul-scholes-team-selection

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11730/11672621/oldham-owner-abdallah-lemsagam-denies-interfering-in-paul-scholes-team-selection

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11730/11672621/oldham-owner-abdallah-lemsagam-denies-interfering-in-paul-scholes-team-selection Abdallah speaking to SkySports - the plot thickens...

That is the point though Jack... ‘if it’s true what the Daily Mirror is reporting’. As latics22 says, we need to get the facts before we can say for definite what is actually happening at the club. Many doubt AL and the negative reporting around the goings on at the club has been constant for some time now. We have had a rebuttal of some of the issues at the club (non payment of coach transport and gas bills) but we need an interview with the owner that allows him to answer honestly each of the allegations. I am certain that Abdallah is aware of all the allegations so I am somewhat baffled that he has not gone on record with a full and frank denial of them. Or maybe there is truth in some of the stories...

I wouldn’t be. The guy has an average to poor record in a French league he understands. I can’t see how he would be the right choice for League 2 England.

Care to expand?

Hi Abdallah, if you want to reconnect with me can you answer the following questions first? 1. Was the gas supply at the club disconnected due to non payment of bills? If so why have the bills not been paid? 2. Did the team coach transport fail to turn up due to non pay,ent of bills? If so why have the bills not been paid? 3. Did you send emails to Paul Scholes telling him to play certain players? If so how does that fit with your stated policy of non interference? 4. Do you plan to give a two year contract to a player, Iacovitti, who has not yet played for the first team without consulting Paul Scholes? 5 Did you tear up the contract of Ousmane Fane without consulting Paul Scholes? 6. Have you offered contract renewals to players without consulting Paul Scholes? 7. Will all wages at the club be paid on time going forward? 8. Do you actually have my money to support the income shortfall at the club. 9. Do you have a sustainable plan for the club’s future? And can I have the answers before the first renewal deadline for season tickets next week? Thanks in advance,

Four interesting suggestions. My thoughts: 1. The next home home game is just under two weeks away. A lot of time for fans to organise a coordinated protest or to cool down? As a fan I disagree with the idea of a Boycott and will be at the game. I would support a coordinated protest at the game. 2. I have not renewed yet so not applicable to me.It's a personal choice and I can understand that many will seek a refund. 3. Tricky one this as I fully intend to renew and the deadline to guarantee my same seat is the day before the next home game. 4. An experienced Chief Executive will not come cheap if indeed one could be found. Important two two weeks ahead of us.

The question for me is what can we believe? Either, as you so elequently put it, they are both wankers or one is telling porkies.

The fans have spoken

Defence, Hunt in particular, backing off too far for the second. Great finish though

‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast’ Alexander Pope 1734. ‘twas ever thus

Agree with your points. I have no problem with spelling mistakes and poor grammar with one exception...The use of ‘could of, would of and should of’ ... - a particular highlight for me

Best league attendance for 40 years with 15,871