mattsgrandad

I understood we were already merged - something called Greater Manchester I believe. Unfortunately the dinosaurs that comprise the FA impose silly rules about encroaching on competitors territory - doesn't apply to the big boys of course - only newcomers who threaten the 'Status Quo' (and I don't mean the ageing rockers)

Thanks to Jimsleftfoot for at least one serious contribution to this very significant issue. The reason I raised the topic on this forum is to raise the awareness amongst fans of the very real prospect that the club's financial state will prevent ANY move to a new stadium unless a considerable investment in the club is made - whether that's one individual (haven't seen Roman Abramovich wandering down Sheepfoot Lane as yet) or a supporters investment group (as per FC United) doesn't really matter. Unfortunately, there are significant barriers to that required investment - the club have no assets as the land is owned by a holding company (courtesy of the recently resigned directors) and I would assume there are significant outstanding loans to these individuals and presumably any influx of funds from whatever source will go towards repaying these loans. So, on the face of it, any new owner(s) would not only have to meet the cost of existing debts but also stump up the money for the ground move and I would suggest that's going to cost a lot more than £1.5m. The other alternative that seems to be in the offing is for OMBC to have a financial involvement - they are already contributing by providing the land in Failsworth but that in itself won't be enough but given the current financial climate and the proposed cutbacks in council spending, I cannot see any way that the council would finance the building of a new stadium. One final thing - Jimsleftfoot comment ends with 'it doesn't make sense' - unfortunately, nothing that the Latics board can do will make any sense given the state of the clubs finances and, from that perspective, I have a great deal of sympathy for their position. That said, however, I do wish they would be more forthcoming with sharing their plans - the proposed BP redevelopment was announced with great enthusiasm and when that fell through the push to find an alternative was equally well publicised - but now ???? The best thing that the public of Oldham can do is to continue to support the Latics through these difficult times. As I've said before on the Chron's website, if the product is good enough and priced correctly, the fans will return.

Think of all the savings in bus fares!

The much aired fans criticism of the decision to move to Failsworth could be refuelled by the news that FC United have submitted their planning application for their new ground in Newton Heath. Will that lead to a ground share option with the Latics when the owners finally admit to not having the finances to develop their own ground? Or will perhaps they do a Wimbledon and relocate OAFC to somewhere in the Yorkshire dales?