CEO Matchday Update

Good afternoon to all Roughyeds,

I realise that we are only at Tuesday of matchday week, but I wanted to update you all on our current situation regarding matches played at Boundary Park.

This Friday will see us play our third consecutive match back at the stadium many of you describe as “home”, and I want to put that into true perspective.

I would like to start by saying a huge thank you to Craig Dootson and his team at OAFC, who, for the matches played on 8th and 15th May, have provided excellent professional help and support and ensured that both games have gone off well. However, the attendance at those games does not demonstrate that the wonderful people of Oldham are happy we are back at the stadium. We had fewer than 1,200 on the 8th and 1,004 on Friday. I will accept that there were some valid reasons for both games – one was at short notice and last Friday was a cup game – but a game generating gate receipts in total less than the cost of staging the match at Boundary Park is the stark reality of our situation. Crowds of 1,500 or less do not cover costs at any stadium we have played at this season; they really don’t.

Please, I am asking all supporters to get behind the team this Friday and prove that ORLFC can play in the town and receive the support the players and everyone connected with the club deserve. It would be fantastic to have 2,000+ this Friday. We have some amazing hospitality offers, including a box for £400 with food included, and we will be launching an incentive by tomorrow for season ticket holders to bring a friend to the game. The club truly needs support at this time – it is our last home game and a good source of revenue for a month.

So yes, get behind the team, get behind the club. It’s a wonderful atmosphere for families, and on Friday we also have a series of curtain-raiser games. The bars and ground will be open from 5:30pm.

Thank you in advance for your support. Tickets can be purchased now online – the best option please – or by card at the turnstiles, or by cash in the ticket office outside the main event centre reception.

Alan Kilshaw and the team have been superb all season. We are joint second in the league and playing some great rugby. Please, on Friday, show your support for this great rugby club, truly make some noise and back the boys.

Your support is always valued.