kowenicki Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Manchester online http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/spo...yles_revolution Wardle set to join Royle's revolution Exclusive by Peter Spencer March 18, 2009 JOHN Wardle is ready to join Joe Royle's promotion charge at Oldham. The multi-millionaire ex-City chairman has already made contact and more formal talks are planned next week with a decision about his potential investment and involvement made before the end of the month. Wardle, who lives in Bury, is being wooed after the appointment of Big Joe to revive Latics' floundering push for Championship status through the League One play-offs. Royle told MEN Sport: "It would be great if John did get on board. We worked well together in our other life at City." Wardle, the founder of the JD Sports clothing empire, was in his role as majority shareholder the prime mover in Royle's appointment at City. His Heywood-based company was also the shirt sponsor during the Royle-inspired Latics success of the late 80s and early 90s - the most successful in the club's history. Wardle, who has rejected overtures from Preston since selling his shares to the Blues' previous owner, ex-Thai prime minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, said today: `'It was a fantastic appointment getting Joe back, totally inspired. He will need a big coat at Ice Station Zebra which he calls Boundary Park ... and knows where to come for one. Fortunes "As for me, getting involved again we will just have to wait and see. "If anyone can turn around Oldham's fortunes and get the club back to the good old days it is Joe. There is no one better at getting a promotion run on.'' Oldham's hierarchy, who axed John Sheridan 24 hours after the morale-sapping 6-2 defeat at MK Dons and immediately hired the man the fans call the Messiah, are rubbing their hands with glee that their coup could lead to a virtual doubling of the gate for Saturday's home game with Tranmere, with only 4,591 at the last home match against Colchester. The club has received hundreds of letters, e-mails and texts from fans, including one from down south who reckons he would have to hire a coach to accommodate the number of fellow Latics supporters who have asked him for a lift. Chief executive Alan Hardy said: "John Wardle, who is a good friend of the club, has great experience in football and good contacts throughout the game." Royle, meanwhile, was up early on his first day back over-seeing a practice match for his squad at the club's training ground in Hollinwood. He's already made a move to take Ipswich reserve keeper Shane Supple, 21, on loan and it is understood he's been busy ringing contacts in the Premier League looking to bolster his starting 11. Royle had a long first day back as he was last night at the Cheltenham-Tranmere game watching Saturday's opponents but also running the rule over Ian Westlake, the ex-Leeds and Ipswich midfielder. Apologies if already posted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny punkster Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 captain...whats that ahead... http://www.owtb.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=21830 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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