FOR those supporters who didn’t fully grasp what was going on before last Sunday’s Oldham-Rochdale derby at the Vestacare Stadium we can tell you that the match ball was presented to referee John McMullen by Major Eddie Hardaker of the British Army.
An Oldham man in his 43rd year of service in the Army, Major Hardaker has seen service in the Falkland Islands, USA, Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is employed in the Army in HR and as a Medical Support Officer, working in Military Field hospiyals;
When not at work he supports Army veterans across the North-West and is the President of the Royton Branch of the Royal British Legion;
He is a member of the Oldham Breakfast Club and Deputy Chair and Trustee of the charity Life for a Life as well as being a School Governor.
For his service to date and his community work he has received many awards. He recently promised his family he will retire next year to spend time with his much loved grandchildren.
He had with him two colleagues from Royton, Lance Corporal Michael Bowskill and Corporal Kevin Hanley, both of whom have been presented with the Army’s General Service Medal.
We also had an Oldham Council presence in hospitality, headed by Council leader, Councillor Amanda Chadderton,
Another local personality, to be announced later in the week, will present the match ball to the referee at this Sunday’s game against Doncaster. again at The Vestacare Stadium.
