BILL Quinn, new chairman of Oldham Rugby, has told the inside story of his return to the club as chairman, naming another club chief, John Chadwick, as the man behind his move to get involved again more than a decade after he last occupied the club’s hot-seat.
John was first secretary and later chairman in the club’s Watersheddings days and he has long held the view that Bill should be back on the board of directors to put his own stamp on the direction in which the club is to move forward.
Now aged 57, and a Chorley-based business man with several companies, Bill joined the new board this week and was later named chairman, with Gary Kershaw as his vice-chairman.
The board now numbers seven — Bill Quinn (chairman), Gary Kershaw (vice-chairman), Mike Ford (managing director), Mick Harrington, Jim Minton, Haydn Walker and Simon Winnard.
Best known for his ownership of companies in demolition, but also having branched out in other areas since he was last at the club more than ten years ago, Bill caused a stir when he was last here when, as a club chairman, he entered a Rugby Football League boxing competition, fighting Brad Hepi at what was then called the Reebok Stadium, near Bolton, and then Garry Schofield at Batley.
Said Bill:
“For the last 12 years John (Chadwick) has been persuading, cajoling and urging me to get involved at Oldham again. I was approached by a few clubs over those years, but I never pursued that interest because I always believed there would be an opportunity for me to return to Oldham. When it happened finally, it looked a perfect fit.
“I can best describe my thoughts like this: ‘I left Oldham previously, but Oldham never left me.
“I’ve been very impressed by the new board’s professionalism, enthusiasm and ambitions. Their aims and goals for the club are the same as mine. We want to see a return to the glory days and I’m honoured to be able to do my bit, alongside my colleagues, to try and bring that about.
“I’ve always held the fabulous Oldham fans in the highest regard and they’ve always shown me the highest respect. The same goes for the volunteers. They are all great people supporting a great club. It’s a delightful to be back and to be given the opportunity to work alongside everyone for the future well being of this great club.
“Just one more thing. I would like to thank the Rothwell family for all they have done, and will continue to do, for Oldham Athletic. Our own club’s future is definitely at Boundary Park and we are all looking forward to working more closely with Athletic in the years ahead.”
Mike Ford, our new managing director, said:
“I’m delighted to see John back on board. The fact that he was keen to come back, having been chairman previously, is testament to his love for the club.”
