Tony Mac Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 (edited) I’m working on a new hardback book by ex-Latics winger Mark Ward, to be published on his release from prison in May, and wondered if any Oldham fans can possibly help us with pictures of Wardy in his Latics playing days? We’ve written to the club (who have said they will help if poss), but have yet to receive a reply, so I’m hoping forum members might be able to help... Mark has written a lengthy chapter on his two seasons at Boundary Park, playing under manager Joe Royle (who signed him from Northwich for £9,500 and sold him to West Ham 2 years later for £250,000) and his team-mates, but we’re struggling for pics to put with the words. If we could possibly borrow any relevant prints to scan (and then return them to immediately) or, alternatively, receive high-res j.peg files by email, then I’d be very grateful. We’d obviously credit anyone who can help in the book itself and send them a free copy when it’s published! I appreciate it’s a long shot, but specific pics we’d really like to use are: Any portrait and/or action photos (prints, not photocopies) of Wardy in Oldham colours. Wardy with Joe Royle. OAFC Team pictures from either 1983-84 and/or 1984-85. Any pics of Wardy with Mickey Quinn, Martin Buchan, Darren McDonough, Andy Goram (if not, then any of them on their own). A pic of Wardy scoring on his home debut v Brighton in August 1983. Also, can anyone please confirm the full Oldham starting line-up for that game, plus the attendance? Wardy remembers his last-minute diving header past Graham Moseley in the Brighton goal, but can anyone recall the left-sided Oldham midfielder who crossed the ball from the opposite flank, which led to the goal? Perhaps somebody who collects old match report newspaper cuttings can help on this one? We really want to do the Oldham part of his career full justice, so if you can help in anyway, it will be very much appreciated. Please either reply via the forum, or, if you’d prefer, PM me at my email address: tony@footballworld.co.uk Cheers, Tony McDonald Football World Edited March 18, 2009 by Tony Mac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardy Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Are we signing him by any chance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAV Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 You could try,museum de latique for pictures. For stats oafcprozac is your man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Also, can anyone please confirm the full Oldham starting line-up for that game, plus the attendance? Line-up was: Andy Goram, Gary Hoolickin, Paul Heaton, John Bowden, Kenny Clements, Martin Buchan, Mark Ward, Tony Henry, Darren McDonough, Derrick Parker, Roger Palmer. Sub: John Humphreys. The gate was 5,750 Good luck to Mark when he comes out, he was a fine player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Obvious question, but have you tried the Oldham Chronicle archives for the pictures you need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lukers1 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Line-up was: Andy Goram, Gary Hoolickin, Paul Heaton, John Bowden, Kenny Clements, Martin Buchan, Mark Ward, Tony Henry, Darren McDonough, Derrick Parker, Roger Palmer. Sub: John Humphreys. The gate was 5,750 Good luck to Mark when he comes out, he was a fine player. FOOK OFF YOU PARRASITE... MARK WARD WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF LAW FOR DRUG DEALING.... SORRY MESSAGE BOARD SOMETIMES A SAFE DISTANCE HAS TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM THESE STORIES//////////////// Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonelylaticsfaninaus Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 FOOK OFF YOU PARRASITE... MARK WARD WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF LAW FOR DRUG DEALING.... SORRY MESSAGE BOARD SOMETIMES A SAFE DISTANCE HAS TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM THESE STORIES//////////////// So, why doesn't he deserve to get on with his life when he's served his sentence, like Lee Hughes. Not your place to be so judgmental. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opinions4u Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 FOOK OFF YOU PARRASITE... MARK WARD WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF LAW FOR DRUG DEALING.... SORRY MESSAGE BOARD SOMETIMES A SAFE DISTANCE HAS TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM THESE STORIES//////////////// Perhaps it is better that he tries to earn an honest living when he gets out? Stopping a man from trying to do the right thing when in the past he has done the wrong thing .... do you think that's a good idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaticsPete Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 FOOK OFF YOU PARRASITE... MARK WARD WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF LAW FOR DRUG DEALING.... SORRY MESSAGE BOARD SOMETIMES A SAFE DISTANCE HAS TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM THESE STORIES//////////////// You are a sad bitter person and should be pitied. Your attitude is that anyone who has been convicted never deserves a new start!!?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lags Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 He Made 84 appearances scoring 12 goals in his time at Latics. For pictures the best bet is to approach The Oldham Chronicle I would have thought. The poster above is correct the match programme cover did change in season 83-84 after the milk cup tie against Stockport to show Mark Ward celebrating scoring with Darren McDonough. This coinciding with the new Le Coq strip and the sponsoring logo of Lees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opinions4u Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) He Made 84 appearances scoring 12 goals in his time at Latics. For pictures the best bet is to approach The Oldham Chronicle I would have thought. The poster above is correct the match programme cover did change in season 83-84 after the milk cup tie against Stockport to show Mark Ward celebrating scoring with Darren McDonough. This coinciding with the new Le Coq strip and the sponsoring logo of Lees. Latics were 2-0 up from the first leg and then found themselves 2-0 down at half time in the second leg to 2 Dean Emerson goals. My first ever game at BP! I can even remember them playing "Hey You The Rock Steady Crew" during the interval, but don't tell the performing rights society as they probably still have a claim on it! Edited March 19, 2009 by opinions4u Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singe Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I can even remember them playing "Hey You The Rock Steady Crew" during the interval, but don't tell the performing rights society as they probably still have a claim on it! Although if there were any justice in the wrold, Rock Steady Crew would be paying Latics for playing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Mac Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Many thanks for the quick and positive reponses and for your kind help with info and advice. Anyone got any idea which player crossed the ball for Wardy's headed goal v Brighton? I've just bought a copy of the prog showing Wardy on the cover via eBay. Mark knows he can expect some stick for the crime he committed but he has taken his punishment on the chin, served four years and now wants to rebuild his life following his release in May. He knows he made a very bad mistake by getting involved - no excuses there, only massive regrets - and is now full of remorse. He has used his time inside constructively and his decision to write his story is just part of that rehabilitation process and to face up to his past mistakes. There but for the grace of God, eh. The writing process also helped him to pass the time! In the book, he has said only positive things about his time at Oldham and fully appreciates that if it hadn't been for the faith Joe Royle showed in him (having been discarded by Everton as being "too small and not strong enough" in 1981), he would never had made it back into pro football. And, from talking to him recently, I know how pleased he is to see Big Joe back at Boundary Park and hopes it leads to better times for his old club. When our website is set up properly to promote sales of the book, I'll be back on here to post full details - for those who are interested. Cheers again. TMc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24hoursfromtulsehill Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 FOOK OFF YOU PARRASITE... MARK WARD WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF LAW FOR DRUG DEALING.... SORRY MESSAGE BOARD SOMETIMES A SAFE DISTANCE HAS TO BE KEPT AWAY FROM THESE STORIES//////////////// Can you catch drugs off stories? Is there a vaccine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Mac Posted April 13, 2009 Author Share Posted April 13, 2009 Mark Ward book – Premier League to Prison FOOTBALL World are delighted to announce a major deal with former Oldham Athletic star Mark Ward to publish his compelling new autobiography. MARK WARD - FROM RIGHT-WING TO B-WING . . . PREMIER LEAGUE TO PRISON will go on sale soon after his release from prison in May 2009. Ward, now 46, starred on the right-wing for Oldham, West Ham United, Manchester City, Everton and Birmingham City during the 80s and early 90s before he fell on hard times and landed himself in deep trouble. Or, in the words of one of his chapter headings: 'Up To My Neck'. He rented a property near his home city of Liverpool on behalf of a contact, but police raided the premises in May 2005 and found a stash of cocaine with a street value of £645,000 and what was later described in court as "a drugs factory." Although Mark never lived at the address and only visited there occasionally, he was arrested and later charged with possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, He has steadfastly refused to grass on his associates and has spent the last four years serving a jail sentence. Football World publisher Tony McDonald, who has known Mark for more than 20 years, said: "Mark is now full of remorse for his crime and has served his time like a man. He was originally sentence to eight years but, as a model prisoner, he is due to be released on licence having served four years. "He wants to put his nightmare experiences, including a horrible eight months spent on remand in B-Wing of Liverpool's notorious Walton jail, behind him. He is now determined to rebuild his life and, obviously, that process continues when he is released from open prison in May. "I have kept in constant touch with ‘Wardy’ in the past few years, via letters and several face-to-face meetings, and we agreed some time ago that Football World would publish his life story following his release from prison. "It's a riveting story, full of the highs and lows you would expect from a player who played for four major clubs before his world fell apart in the most awful circumstances. But it's much, much more than a book about a former footballer. "Wardy is a spiky, emotional character, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve and has always said what is on his mind even if that frank approach to life has led him into more than a few serious scrapes through the years. His book will reflect those personal traits and their consequences. He didn't want to hold back - and he doesn't - but he didn't want this to be just another ex-footballer's boring autobiography either. "The writing process has helped him to cope with being locked up in a cell and I must say his words are full of raw emotion, liberally laced with Scouse humour and a natural ability to tell it like it is. This (hardback) book will appeal not only to fans of the clubs he represented, but to a much wider audience who can relate to human interest stories and a tortured soul laid bare." TWENTY-FIVE years ago Mark Ward was a high-profile footballer. The ebullient Scouser, who comes from a tough area of Liverpool, emerged from a large working class family to become an overnight sensation at Oldham Athletic. He became very popular among fans for his skill and never-say-die attitude he took into every match. In 1986, Brian Clough said England should take 'Wardy' to the World Cup, while legendary full-back Stuart Pearce named him as the most difficult opponent he ever faced for club or country. But in May 2005 Mark Ward's life was suddenly turned upside down. Police raided a house in Prescot that was rented in his name and found a substantial quantity of cocaine and what was later described at Liverpool Crown Court as "a drugs factory." He was given an eight-year prison sentence for possessing a class A drug with intent to supply ¬- even though he was described by the judge who sentenced him as "a footsoldier" and his part in the crime was minimal by comparison to the main co-conspirators, who were arrested and charged some time after him. Mark was initially sent to the notorious Walton Prison in Liverpool, where he spent one fearfully unforgettable night among the category A prisoners on lifers' wing and a further eight months on remand in the mayhem of B-Wing ¬- alongside murderers, rapists, smack-heads and other major criminals. Some prisoners instantly recognised their new inmate, but now things had changed. From wearing the No.7 on his football jersey with such pride and distinction for the best part of 13 years, he became known as Prisoner Number NM6982. He ended up serving four years but that number and his horrific experiences inside will live with him forever. Ward would no doubt have received a lighter sentence - possibly half - if he had named names when interrogated by police. But Mark Ward is no grass - "it's not my style and against all the principles I was brought up with," he says. He has taken his punishment on the chin, done his time and will never reveal the identity of the men whose drugs operation effectively condemned him to jail. Now full of remorse for his "terrible mistake", he bares his soul here and tells in compelling graphic details how he once had it all and then lost it . . . his career, his marriage and, ultimately, his dignity and his freedom. He examines how it all went so horribly wrong, what prison life was like and how a man once used to playing in front of 50,000-plus supporters in the bitter derbies of Merseyside, Manchester and London coped with being locked up and completing the longest prison sentence ever served by any former Premier League footballer. He tells of the prison gangs, the scams, the fights, the cockroaches . . . and the suicides. "I wouldn't wish the time I spent on B-Wing at Walton on my worst enemy," he says, still haunted by the memory of his first year in the prison system. When Mark was moved to Buckley Hall open prison in Rochdale, he was thrilled to receive a visit from Howard Kendall, the former manager of Manchester City and Everton who twice signed Wardy in £1m transfer deals. Kendall has written an insightful foreword to this book. Mark relives the highs and lows of his turbulent career - the heartbreak of rejection by his beloved Everton as a vulnerable 16-year-old and the sheer thrill of returning to Goodison 10 years later to score brilliant goals that defeated league champions Arsenal (on his home debut) and then Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Playing a key role in West Ham's most successful league team of 1985-86, and being offered a £50,000 bonus by chairman David Sullivan to save Birmingham from relegation. And then, with his playing days finished, he tells why he still feels aggrieved at being sacked from his first job in non-league management at hard-up Altrincham in 2001. Wardy devotes a whole 5,000-word chapter, titled 'Royle Approval', to his two seasons with the Latics. He recalls the thrill of scoring on his debut v Brighton in August 1983 and talks about his relationship with Joe Royle. He reveals what he and some of his team-mates - Mickey Quinn, Darron McDonough, Andy Goram - got up to off the field. Mark explains why he had so much respect for the influential Martin Buchan. We learn of his many off-the-field scrapes, including the night he physically assaulted comedian Stan Boardman, and his brushes with the criminal underworld. Being beaten up and later subjected to blackmail threats during a nightmare six-month ordeal of intimidation at the hands of one of Liverpool's most notorious crime figures. Ward had been threatened with a knife but, typically, he wouldn't back down or pay up his blackmailers. He recalls how he became embroiled in the drugs trade and his friendship with a man who turned out to be one of Birmingham¹s biggest drug dealers . . . before he was shot dead in a city centre pub. And how cocaine ruined the career of a once highly promising, young team-mate. Wardy confronts all his past mistakes and is now hoping for a second chance in life, an opportunity to rebuild a coaching/management career in the game he still loves with a burning passion. Why not order your copy in advance now . . . personally signed by Mark Ward. HOW TO ORDER By Telephone: Simply call our Credit Card Hotline on 01708 744 333 and pay by credit or debit card. By Post: Send your cheque (payable to Football World) to: Football World (Wardy Book), 103 Douglas Road, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AW. MARK WARD - From Right-Wing to B-Wing . . . Premier League to Prison will be published on May 30, 2009. The cover price will be £17.99 but anyone ordering direct from us at Football World will make a saving of £3.00 (post-free in UK) and each copy purchased from us will be personally signed by Mark himself. For more details about the book and how to buy online, please go to: http://www.footballworld.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeslover Posted April 13, 2009 Share Posted April 13, 2009 So you can absolutely guarantee I will get high if I read this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankly Mr Shankly Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 He loved his mum did Wardy though. A proper gentleman villain if ever I saw one. Gawd luv 'im. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longtimeblue Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 He loved his mum did Wardy though. A proper gentleman villain if ever I saw one. Gawd luv 'im. Wasn't bought up to grass.. that's honour - nowt to do with the likelyhood of being shot if he did sounds like a decent read though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beag_teeets Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 'Ee was always well turned out too, lovely lad he were, always had time to stop and chat too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeykieran Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 What drugs are on offer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beag_teeets Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Loonytoad quack, Joss Ackland's spunky backpack, ponce on the heath and rustledust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Loonytoad quack, Joss Ackland's spunky backpack, ponce on the heath and rustledust. Proper Boz-boz. Don't forget "Hattie Jacques pretentious cheese wog" - can I say that? It's in quotes so what the hell... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beag_teeets Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I left that one out, it plays havoc with my Shatner's Basson, nor do I want to end up with Czech neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zorrro Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Mmmm... Yellow Bentines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ackey Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 If you do Cake, your face will glow red too!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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