Before emigrating 6 years ago, I lived in Springhead all my life and I went to Latics home and away for 20 years - many great memories In 2004 my Canadian wife (a florist) was held up at gunpoint at Cullens by a druggy - and that was it - she said :censored: this Oldham :censored: - we're off. And so I find myself living in comparative bliss in western Canada.
Anyway...in March 2009 my Dad died suddenly and I came home for 10 days for the first time since leaving. Firstly, I couldn't believe how much Oldham had changed in general.....degeneration...a lot of my favourite 'hanuts' boarded up. Secondly, as Latics were playing at home the weekend I was there.....I thought I'd make the most of it.
As I sat down in the Chaddy, the sight of no Lookers stand ripped the heart out of me immediately. Together with the dross football on offer (thanks Mr Penney) and falling crowds and total lack of atmos.....I knew then for sure....
I wasn't here just for my Dad's funeral it was soon to be Latics too