History of Oldham Athletic A.F.C.

Disappointing mid-table finishes followed in the subsequent seasons before the signing of former England international George Hardwick as player-manager in 1950 proved the catalyst to a promotion as Third Division (North) champions in 1953.

Frizzell did an excellent job of keeping the Latics away from relegation danger at this higher level, despite tighter finances and lesser gates than many of their rivals.

Third Division Birmingham City took a 1–0 lead at their St. Andrews ground in the third round, but a late equalizer from Bunn led to a replay at Boundary Park.

In the replay, Rick Holden scored an excellent solo goal to give the Latics a 1–0 win and set up a fourth round tie at home to Second Division Brighton & Hove Albion.

First Division Everton were the visitors to Boundary Park for the fifth round tie, and raced into a 2–0 half time lead thanks to goals from Tony Cottee and future Oldham player/manager Graeme Sharp.

The replay at Goodison Park was again a draw – ex-Evertonian Ian Marshall's close range header for Oldham being cancelled out by a disputed Kevin Sheedy penalty.

The Villains were beaten 3–0 thanks to Holden's 20-yard (18 m) effort, Neil Redfearn's close range finish and a Chris Price own goal.

With the game going into extra time, a Danny Wallace goal for United again looked to have won it, before Latics stalwart Palmer scored another equaliser at 3–3.

Brian McClair gave United a second half lead before Ritchie stunned his old side with an equaliser ten minutes from time.

Sadly for the Latics there was to be no fairytale ending and Mark Robins, born in nearby Ashton-under-Lyne, scored a winner late in extra time for the Manchester side.

It was later proved on television replays that a Nick Henry effort in the first half had crossed the line, but referee Joe Worrall failed to award the goal.

Wednesday raced into a two-goal lead, but goals from Ian Marshall and 17-year-old debutant Paul Bernard levelled the game and set up a tense finish.

In a battling display, Latics stalwart Nick Henry scored the winner midway through the first half, a result that handed Manchester United their first title for 27 years.

For Oldham to survive, they had to beat fellow strugglers Southampton at home and hope that Crystal Palace were defeated at Arsenal's Highbury ground.

Oldham eventually won 4–3 despite leading 4–1 at one stage, whilst Palace lost 3–0 at Arsenal, meaning that the Eagles were relegated on goal difference.

A poor performance in the replay at Maine Road ended Oldham's hopes, and culminated in a disastrous run of results, with the Latics' failing to win any of their remaining seven fixtures.

Joe Royle was lured to Everton in October 1994 and 34-year-old striker Graeme Sharp was appointed Oldham's player-manager,[10] however he resigned in February of the 1996–97 season.

The signings of veteran winger David Eyres and midfielder Tony Carss gave the side added impetus and the Latics recovered well to again finish comfortably mid-table.

During the 2001 close season, local businessman Chris Moore purchased Oldham Athletic, with the promise of providing Premiership football within the next five years.

The play-off campaign ended in heartbreaking disappointment for Oldham, with Queens Park Rangers winning a tense battle with a late goal at their Loftus Road ground.

[22] Former Rotherham United manager Ronnie Moore took charge, and the club just avoided relegation, winning their final game of the season at home in a derby with Bradford City.

The move faced a significant public backlash, even from politicians, while a petition against the signing gained 60,000 signatures and Verlin Rainwater Solutions withdrew club sponsorship.

In the two years prior to the Lemsagam deal, Oldham had faced a number of winding-up orders for non-payment of their tax bills, and saw their ground raided by HMRC in November 2017.

[42] One-time Watford owner Laurence Bassini was reported to be interested in buying the club,[43] but this was labelled as "false" during the 6 March 2020 hearing.

[42] Former Australia international Harry Kewell took over as Oldham manager in August 2020,[44] at the start of the 2020-21 EFL League Two season and recorded 11 wins, 6 draws and 15 defeats before he was sacked by the club in March 2021.

Keith Curle stepped in as temporary head coach, and made the move permanent in May 2021,[46] but his efforts to build a stronger squad were hampered by an EFL transfer embargo,[47] COVID-19 illness,[48] and fans protests against the club's owners.

Oldham were relegated from the English Football League following a 2–1 home defeat by Salford City, a match interrupted by an on-pitch protest by fans against the club's owners.

[52] Following the relegation, Lemsagam and the Boundary Park owner agreed to a sale, and in June 2022 it was reported Oldham Athletic could be sold to a local business.