FANS at the Oldham v Rochdale Hornets derby tomorrow (Sunday) will get the chance to see some of the Roughyeds’ best-known former players receive their heritage certificates.
The presentations will take place on the Vestacare Stadium pitch at half-time, thus involving supporters, many of whom will have fond memories of watching the former players during Watersheddings days.
The Heritage Trust and the Players Association are hoping to present numbered heritage certificates to numerous ex-players such as Tommy Martyn, Wes Rogers, Paul Topping, Martin Hall, Fred Hall, Sean Tyrer and many others.
Receiving a certificate on behalf of his late brother Peter, who died some years ago, will be a former Roughyeds coach Steve Deakin.
All these former Oldham greats will be in hospitality pre and post match, as will a group of former Rochdale players which will include Oldhamers Norman Brelsford and Johnnie Hammond, who played for both clubs.
Turnstiles will open at 1pm and there will be a curtain-raiser featuring the under-9s of Higginshaw and Saddleworth Rangers, which also kicks off at 1pm.
This is a busy weekend for the Players Association, which also had a large presence on Oldham Edge at today’s open-age game between Higginshaw and Waterhead seconds.
It was a ‘first’ for the Players Association (sponsoring a Higginshaw game) and a big day for Higgy in entertaining and looking after major sponsors like the Players’ Association.
Said Ray Hicks, speaking on behalf of the Players’ Association:
“In previous years we’ve made a donation to the Higgy club, but in recognition of the fantastic job they are doing on and off the field we decided this year to sponsor a game.
“It will be a little bit of recognition for Higgy and a way in which we, as former players of the town’s professional club, can show our appreciation of all the hard work they are doing on and off the field.”
The Players’ Association will also have a large presence at the Vestacare Stadium tomorrow (Sunday) for the derby clash with Rochdale. Adrian Alexander, one of their own, is the Roughyeds’ well-connected ambassador.
As a former mayor of the borough, his wife Ginny is also hugely connected with the town and its institutions.
Among the many VIPs in hospitality tomorrow will be Councillor Amanda Chadderton, leader of Oldham Council; all our former players; and Major Eddie Hardaker of the British Army, an Oldham man who will present the match ball to the referee.
