Stevie_J

Really? You think the reason he's packed in professional football is because he's gay? Do me a favour!

Good riddance, indeed. For me, Hall has the ability to make a very decent player, at this level at least. The thing is, his attitude has never been right. I hope he realises, later in life, what an opportunity he's wasted.

Nice tribute. Best of luck to him. Player of the season by a country mile, in my book, and a great guy to boot.

Just as long as it hasn't got a swimming pool, eh?

There is certainly some very interesting debate in this thread and I've chosen to sit back and see how it developed. I thought I'd post my view now, however. I can see why people are having some trouble getting around the idea of having Hughes at Boundary Park. My opinion, though, is that our views on the legal system/sentencing/rehabilitation, etc. are somewhat irrelevant and only serve to cloud the issue of whether he SHOULD be allowed to continue his football career. In August, if granted parole, he'll be free to pursue a career, like any other criminal who is released on parole. So I think he should be released three years after causing death by dangerous driving and fleeing the scene of the incident? Frankly, no, but as I've said, I think that's an irrelevance. The fact is that we, and the club, don't have any influence on those kind of decisions. He did a terrible thing, as I'm sure he's gravely aware. But I do believe he has the same right as other parolees, to try and rebuild their lives. Would it be right to deny him the opportunity because of what happened? Well, I don't think so. He's going to have to take a huge amount of stick when he's released, whatever happens, and I won't be particularly sympathetic. However, I've already seen him referred to as a 'murderer', which is utterly unfair. As an aside to the ethical issues surrounding his signing, I always rated him very highly as a player and if he regain anything like his form, prior to his jail term, he'll be a class act at this level.

I remember reading an interview, back in the day; I think it was with Sean McCarthy, but I could be wrong. He was asked about the worst dressed player at Latics. He described that Holden was something of a nutcase and then went on to describe Ricky turning up for training wearing only one shoe. When asked why he was wearing one shoe, he replied, "I found it on the way here." Madder than a box of frogs but a class act. I remember him very fondly. As people have said, he played a massive part in our glory years. I'd have loved to see him playing for England.

Welcome to the tenth Latics Legend of the Week. This week it's the finest winger, and biggest barmpot, I've ever seen in a Latics shirt, Rick Holden. We're looking for you, our members, to post their memories, anecdotes and stories of our weekly Legend. Anything at all. Mate of yours? Met him in a pub? Go to school with his Mrs? Get hit by his car? Had a scuffle with him?! Anything and everything! If you have access to some season stats or career stats then post those too; pictures, videos, songs, etc, etc...!? Post them all!! A couple of very simple rules: 1. Please stay on the topic of a single legend at once... it probably apparent why by now. (If you would like to suggest an upcoming legend then please feel free to PM me) 2. Please don't post anything which may subject you to libel... as OWTB cannot be held responsible for that. 3. Have fun!

I hope it's true. So we can sack him.

Can't be Ian Moore surely? Ronnie's young 'un coming to us???

Darren Byfield? Don't think he's quite 31 yet, but would be a great signing.

Welcome to the ninth Latics Legend of the Week. This week it's the man who still holds Latics' league appearances record, having made 525 between 1966 and 1980, Ian Wood. We're looking for you, our members, to post their memories, anecdotes and stories of our weekly Legend. Anything at all. Mate of yours? Met him in a pub? Go to school with his Mrs? Get hit by his car? Had a scuffle with him?! Anything and everything! If you have access to some season stats or career stats then post those too; pictures, videos, songs, etc, etc...!? Post them all!! A couple of very simple rules: 1. Please stay on the topic of a single legend at once... it probably apparent why by now. (If you would like to suggest an upcoming legend then please feel free to PM me) 2. Please don't post anything which may subject you to libel... as OWTB cannot be held responsible for that. 3. Have fun!

Thanks, Dave. I've corrected the poll.

Hi Cliff. In order to gain access to the whole board, you need to complete the following: Name? Location? How Long Supporting the Tics? Best away match you've been to? All Time Greatest Player? Biggest Rivals (in your eyes)? Thanks, Steve

Now that it's been up and running for a few weeks, I'm interested to know how people's use of the official site has changed, since the updated version was launched.

In spite of some big mistakes recently, I can't believe people are saying we should offload Gregan. I'd be building my defence around him, with someone pacey alongside him, and he'll be captain next season, I've no doubt. Besides, there's no way on this Earth we'll have the money to pay him off. I used to be a big fan of Wellens but, with regret, I've to say I wouldn't be at all sad to see him go. He's an arrogant get, who thinks he's better than his teammates and very rarely puts in a performance that would prove his point. He's got an awful lot of talent but his attitude gets in the way of him performing consistently. Blayney should, and will, be shown the door. I'd keep Charlton if he can prove his fitness. Macca - not fussed. I thought he put in some great performances early in the season but would hope to have someone better in the first team next term. Pogs - Not sure. Back-up? I'd be pleased to see a more consistent keeper come in. If that's not possible I'd happily keep him in the first team, providing his fragile confidence can be looked after. Porter - Dunno. If he stays, will he be happy? If not, will he perform? If so, great. Liddell - I think I'd keep him, just. He be a far more valuable player if he always put in the type of shift he did yesterday, chasing down the opposition. Desperately needs to work on his set pieces though. Eddie - keep. Just hope he can stay fit, which I'm not convinced he can. Warne - keep. If we'd gone up, I'd be saying the opposite but, at this level, he's indispensable, in my opinion. Taylor, Lomax and Eardley - keep, no question. Rocky - keep. Never thought he'd make it but he's made big progress. Stam/Haining - think I'd be inclined to keep Stam and let Haining go. Will's never reproduced the form he shown when he first burst onto the scene when Clint Hill was injured. I'd maybe try to sign Glombard as a squad player. And anyone fancy Gareth Owen in defence next season? I quite fancy the idea.

Welcome to the eighth Latics Legend of the Week. This week it's not a player but a manager, THE manager in many people's eyes, Joe Royle. We're looking for you, our members, to post their memories, anecdotes and stories of our weekly Legend!!! Met him in a pub? Go to school with his Mrs? Go to school with him? Get hit by his car? Anything and everything! If you have access to some season stat's or career stat's then post them too, pictures, videos, songs!? Post them all!! So, Get Posting!! A couple of very simple rules: 1. Please stay on the topic of a single legend at once... it probably apparent why by now. (If you would like to suggest an upcoming legend then please feel free to PM me) 2. Please don't post anything which may subject you to libel... as OWTB cannot be held responsible for that. 3. Have fun!

Something like that!

It was Mark's idea!

Welcome, Mark. Any problems give any mod or admin a shout. Also, check out the OWTB Shop for the Grovesy T-shirt!

No probs, Clare. Some good pics there. I was too knackered to PM back, sorry.

Welcome to OWTB, Ian.

Now up and running (once people sign up to play) is OWTB's stick cricket league. Go to this link and sign-up to the site. Then click on Leagues and Join League. League Name: OWTB Password: owtbstick Markoasis is practising like a madman so sign up now if you fancy your chances against him! (Or even if you don't).