Summary of Club Meeting - July

We met on 27th July 2026.

Attendees:

Darren Royle(OAFC),Craig Dootson (OAFC)

 OASF: Maurice Scott (Chair), Mark Albiston, Martin Barlow, Damian Collinson, Chris Stringer, Paul Whitehead.

• Mark Albiston Introduction

Our newly elected Director Mark introduced himself with details of his Latics supporting journey and his professional experience in senior management in adult social care.

• New Season Matchday Update

Craig went through the various changes that we will see in the new season. There will be some disruption to kiosks in the Joe Royle stand as toilet facilities are upgraded. Alongside this there will be a trial fan zone outside the Fan Bar for 3 games, starting with the Sheffield Wednesday friendly.

We asked whether there was any progress establishing smoking areas around the ground. This isn’t possible as there is no room on Furtherwood Road to accommodate those in the Main Stand and there needs to be an area for each stand.

Following some fall/tripping incidents last year we asked what arrangements were being put in place to make the steep hill at the side of RRE from the car park safe. Craig stated that signage was being installed with warnings not to use it. Other solutions had been considered, but were not currently cost effective.

The Club are investigating how best to install safe standing and are looking at how other clubs have introduced it. This will not be installed before the 27/28 season at the earliest.

Darren explained that the top floor of the JRS is nearing completion in the next 4-6 weeks. This will house education programmes during the week and be available for matchday hospitality. The club are open minded on the format of the offering. OASF will be engaging with suggestions, if anyone has suggestions email Hello@oasf.co.uk and we will put those forward. The space may also house a children’s sensory room and provision for children in the Pru.

·       Heritage Project Update

Initial discussions have taken place with Professor Peter Shapley of Bangor University and the OAFC Academic Board who is leading the project. Maurice explained that he and Dom Lowe had discussed doing a fan survey to help get opinions. Chris mentioned that a memorial garden would be a good start, the location would have to fit in with Sportstown plans.

·       Loyalty Scheme Feedback

Feedback has been largely positive, Craig confirmed that arrangements are in place to allocate points to fans when away tickets are sold through the away club rather than Latics.

• Badges and Kit 2027/2028

Craig explained that all fans will have the opportunity to vote at the first 2 home League matches on three proposed designs for a new badge, each design will include the club’s name. A focus group of fans will also be set up for fans to feedback on designs for kit, which need to be decided upon by the beginning of September.

·       MDC Follow UP Progress

As mentioned at the last meeting the Greater Manchester Combined Authority launched a public consultation about an Oldham Mayoral Development Corporation. This would help deliver the SportsTown vision amongst other priorities in Oldham like Northern Roots. We encouraged fans to respond and Darren explained that the consultation received the biggest response of any previous MDC consultation, with an 85% favourable response. This will have a major impact on the decision whether to establish the MDC which is due in September. Discussions have been undertaken with most of the political parties in Oldham to explain the plans in detail.

The construction of Little Wembley is complete and the Community Use Agreement is being finalised. The next phase involving the construction of netball courts is under construction.