DerekWilson_1968 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) I am not really sure that I know how to put into words my feelings about events of the last week or so, but to hell with it, I am going to have a go. There will be people on here that will say I have no right to an opinion as over the last few years my support, in any real sense, has dwindled to the point of no existence; but tomorrow I am going to go to the Galpharm (or whatever it is called nowadays) and show my support for one final time to a transient collective that has only ever had two constants. The name Oldham Athletic and the fans, some of whom I am lucky enough to have known for the majority of my life and am able to call them my friends. I am truly saddened by the news that has come out this week, and like many of you who are looking on the gloomier side of things, believe that moving the club out of the borough without any steadfast plan in place for a future development will only be the death of the club. So, as I am sat here, on the eve of what I now believe will be my final ever game watching a football club that I have, until the last few years, adored all of my life I am wondering where it all went wrong. Not only for the club, but also from a more personal perspective, what went wrong with me and the club? Firstly, I am going to say that football itself in England should have an awful burden to bear should this once proud club die; there has been an influx of monied people treating clubs as a hobby toy to do with as they, and they alone, see fit. Some I believe have come with good intentions, others with bad; but all with one goal in mind. How much can I/ we get out of this? From the Glazers, the Hicks & Gillette fiasco at Anfield and right onto our own doorstep with Messers Corney, Blitz and Gazal on gods own little acre the only reason that people with sufficient funds would invest in a football club without having an inbuilt affinity for that club, would be to see what they can financially gain out of the venture. No one cares enough about the game anymore to put aside their own little get rich quick plan, no one has enough respect for the history or the emotional attachment that the man on the street can feel towards his or her club; and even worse, football doesn't care. It won't matter one jot to football if in May the grim reaper swipes his scythe over the heavens above Boundary Park and brings to a saddening end this fiasco that we have been involved in since the summer of 2003. In ten years time, we will be a pub quiz question. That sickens me, it sickens me right to my core. I suppose at this point, many of you are asking yourselves why won't I come and help out, why do I choose to no longer support Oldham Athletic financially, why do I refuse to attend games at Boundary Park? I am going to cast my mind back to early summer 2003, a supposed Norwegian fishing conglomerate were interested and it was also the day that I was giving a speech at the wedding of a very good friend. The groom, the best man and myself went out in the city centre of Edinburgh for breakfast and a few nerve steadying beers. I had to nip off for half an hour for a reason that they couldn't understand. I needed to know what had happened with the takeover and phoned Alex Metcalfe up, who along with a friend had set up Trust Oldham in the wake of the departure of Chris Moore. I couldn't believe that it hadn't worked out and that the club were really in dire straits, so quickly went to work and I spent every available hour trying and trying to raise funds and ended up becoming involved with the trust. I don't think that it took long from that point for me to start thinking about the what ifs about the newly appointed owners, it is far more complicated an affair than many of you think. Whilst I don't agree with the direction that the trust has taken, and have long believed it is too closely entwined with the club, I will applaud it on the fact that it does have the best intentions for the club at heart. I will also say, that as much as Barry and myself have argued on both this board and JKL, it's got to be a tough job pleasing both camps. But, and it is a big but, what is the use of having a pair of eyes and ears in the boardroom when the Cavalry is going to charge over the hill only to find that the Indians have already gone? The trust are nothing other than a donation to a black hole, a donation may I add of £250,000 plus of fans money that has a tractor and some ball boys bibs to show or its efforts (I know there has been much more, Beckett for example though is the only footballing positive directly from trust funds, not playershare). Why was this not kept as a rainy day fund? Why, why, why????? At least there would then be some hope of a phoenix rising. There was a post last week from HDGS, it was a bit of a call to arms and I was mentioned in passing as one of the people that should put aside their grudges with the club and other interested parties to return and help. I'm really sorry, but I can't. I can't support the direction that we have been taking in the last few years to make sure that some random businessmen that once saw a money making opportunity are now having to take us to break even or cut their losses. I can't support a plan of action that will prolong the painful death of my dear friend. Personally, I have no fight left in me and I refuse to watch the club die an even slower and more painful death than it has been doing in the past 4 years under the stewardship of our supposed saviours. Under TTA we have been like a gang-greenous amputee awaiting the bad news that the infection has spread further. In 2006 my Dad died nine weeks after being diagnosed with a particularly vicious form of leukemia. It was the day that we played Chesterfield in the JPT. None of us managed to get to the hospital in time to share his final moments with him. There was nowhere in the world that I wanted to be more on that day than at BP with what I have long considered to be my extended family. I'll admit that I sat in the main stand and didn't really watch the game, I just kept gazing over to all the parts of the ground where Wilson Snr. had taken me in 1974. Other than the Wallis family, I don't even think that anyone even knew who my Dad was at BP. Just some bloke who took his boy that happened to fall in love with a team that played in blue. I'm not missing another opportunity to say goodbye. I feel I have done my bit now and fought for OAFC as best I could. I can't bear to see my club suffering, but also I can't bear to watch it die slowly. I can't contribute to any longer to prolong the inevitable. Thank you for all the great times, and despite the fact I moan constantly, there have been so many more than you could ever imagine. Derek. Edited February 12, 2011 by DerekWilson_1968 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otid Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Derek, you've posted some good stuff on here over the years....and the odd bit of nonsense here and there......usually designed to get a rise out of someone or other....and that someone or other usually took the bait to the entertainment value of the rest of us. This post though, is heartfelt and will resonate with many. I understand your feelings, i've often felt similar feelings through the ups and downs of watching Latics. I'm not about to tell you that you should change your mind or to offer any 'brotherly advice'.......suffice to say, you're a mate....i wish you well in whatever you do in your spare time instead of watching Latics....and i miss meeting you on match days through the times when you were as passionate as you were. Those days are gone but the memories will live on. Remember the good times Derek....they were far more important to your life than the not so good. In time, you never know what may happen.....just don't ever close the door. Living on the other side of the world affords me the privilege of getting my message to you before all the nonsense starts in reply....i probably wouldn't have had the stomach to read through all that before i made my point to you.....so for my location, i'm thankful. Good luck, i hope you really enjoy the game later today.....i wish i was there! Tony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlayItLivo Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 See you, Tuesday, £2 in, innit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTick Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keep_the_faith Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 what happened to the spirit of oldham? we may be suffering a slow and painfull death which is all the more reason to get to as many games as you can manage, despite how torn up most of us are about the prospect of no more oafc. if we are to die in may, lets all be there and help the lads bow out with pride, be it boundary park, or colchester away on a tuesday night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opinions4u Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 I just typed in "Trust Oldham" to the Yahoo search engine. It returned "Oldham Funeralcare" as the first response! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggy_oafc Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Deary me, if this maudlin rubbish starts to spread we really might as well pull the plug now. Be loud and proud and fight for your team, who knows what's going to happen. Always hated violin music anyway. Woof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singe Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Reminds me of a song, "When the going gets tough...." Slightly tongue in cheek, of course, Derek put far more heart and soul into LAtics than I ever have. It is a saddening read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafc0000 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 A great piece Derek but very sad at the same time. We needed more Dereks in positions of authority but many choose instead to shoot him down over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smartzatart Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Don't quite know what to make of that Derek, we all deal with our emotions in very different ways. I lost my mother a couple of days before Xmas and attended her funeral on the day we got hammered 6-0 by Southampton, I was at the game!! Not because I'm an heartless bastard but because life goes on; I've fallen out with my mum on numerous occasions but I always made up with her, why...because she was my mum and I loved her! I've 'fallen out' with OAFC on numerous occasions but I'll always be there to support them, why....because it's my club and I love it!!! It's either in your blood or it's not; or maybe you're just a stubborn fecker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowl Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Dickov and his team deserve our support at least. See you at the playoffs Derek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTick Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Deary me, if this maudlin rubbish starts to spread we really might as well pull the plug now. Be loud and proud and fight for your team, who knows what's going to happen. Always hated violin music anyway. Woof. Maudlin - fine word - and perfect for this thread - must use it more often Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazlatic Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) . Edited February 12, 2011 by dazlatic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddog Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 There it is! Took a week longer than expected though. Good restraint, Derk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opinions4u Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 "I used to care, I don't really anymore, I'm going today, but I can't be arsed after that". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueArmy1989 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 hell anyone would think were beaten before the fight has even began!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddog Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 "I used to care, I don't really anymore, I'm going today, but I can't be arsed after that". And 'look at me!' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosa Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 And 'look at me!' Exactly. Does anyone fancy posting their life story and the reasons they'll still be going, even if we end up groundsharing with Chadderton FC, to counter some of the epic farewells on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pukka Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) Derek, I have mainly agreed with your posts and have found you to talk sense. I might not agree with your decision, but I fully understnad it Its the slow decline that is the real sapper. The lookers being pulled down, promises being broken time and again, I can understand that at some point you have to say enough is enough. My dad stopped coming when we signed Lee Hughes. That for him was where he said no. Most people didn't agree with him, but he stuck to his principles. He is back now, but not as often. I'm 27 and single and just moving out of home. In a nutshell - I have no priorities. For me Latics can continue to be a major part of my life without it effecting anyone else. You have recently got married and have realised there is more to life. I hope that today isn't your last game. I think you should end at BP - even if it is on £2 Tuesday. Edited February 12, 2011 by pukka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankly Mr Shankly Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Derek, I have mainly agreed with your posts and have found you to talk sense. I might not agree with your decision, but I fully understnad it Its the slow decline that is the real sapper. The lookers being pulled down, promises being broken time and again, I can understand that at some point you have to say enough is enough. My dad stopped coming when we signed Lee Hughes. That for him was where he said no. Most people didn't agree with him, but he stuck to his principles. He is back now, but not as often. I'm 27 and single and just moving out of home. In a nutshell - I have no priorities. For me Latics can continue to be a major part of my life without it effecting anyone else. You have recently got married and have realised there is more to life. I hope that today isn't your last game. I think you should end at BP - even if it is on £2 Tuesday. ^ this. We'll have a good day, and should the worst happens, then I'll deal with it then. Up the Latics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobOAFC Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 If we are to move out of the borough this season, don't make today your last game, make MK Dons at home your last game - last ever at BP possibly.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirinclassic Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Requiem Of The Common Man. Don't know you, derek, and can't blame you. Can feel the passion in your writing. Hope you enjoy the game today. Hopefully it's not your last. Cheers, KC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frizzell54 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Requiem Of The Common Man. Don't know you, derek, and can't blame you. Can feel the passion in your writing. Hope you enjoy the game today. Hopefully it's not your last. Cheers, +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boundaryblue80 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 (edited) I am not really sure that I know how to put into words my feelings about events of the last week or so, but to hell with it, I am going to have a go. There will be people on here that will say I have no right to an opinion as over the last few years my support Read about this far and thought spot on! You don't have an opinion...YOU are the sort who have created our future. As bad as the Red/Blue Manc-loving pub watching fan. You were one of the most vocal and disruptive influences back when the club finally turned a corner after 2003...after succeeding in staying up when we looked destined to go down, you and your pals creating a nasty atmosphere about the club when things were improving, you then skulked away and became a stayaway. Your opinion is worth :censored:...you won't be on your own though...you "got your club back" and then you deserted it...Many others followed your lead...I give you the "spineless Latic"...thanks for being part of our demise!!! Edited February 12, 2011 by boundaryblue80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edhunteruk Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Read about this far and thought spot on! You don't have an opinion...YOU are the sort who have created our future. As bad as the Red/Blue Manc-loving pub watching fan. You were one of the most vocal and disruptive influences back when the club finally turned a corner after 2003...after succeeding in staying up when we looked destined to go down, you and your pals creating a nasty atmosphere about the club when things were improving, you then skulked away and became a stayaway. Your opinion is worth :censored:...you won't be on your own though...you "got your club back" and then you deserted it...I give you the "spineless Latic"...thanks for being part of our demise!!! some will say very harsh words there....but i and a lot will agree with you.... cant be doing with the self pity and the woe is me card......you either support your club through thick and thin or you dont.....but you can never turn your back,and deem your last ever game as away at huddersfield....bp is our historical ground,if i ever have to watch a last game thats where it would be....the club needs its fans more than ever now..but there ya go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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