The official reason why Moore left was for "financial reasons," a reason confirmed by the drop in sales of season tickets. Simon Corney had previously stated that he was 'concerned' why one third of Athletic's season ticket holders had failed to renew for the coming season. Athletic fans have been up in arms about the lack of transfer activity and it all starts to make sense now. It cannot be argued that the Latics fans were disappointed with last season's performances. A review of all the popular Latics message boards have sent out a very strong message that they were totally fed up with Ronnie's style of play, lack of motivation, inability to change a game once it had started, lack of tactics, public slating of players, poor rapport with the fans and poor use of the substitue rule. If we had a scoreboard that worked at Boundary Park it is highly unlikely that a "Please Ronnie - Don't Go" message would have been put on it.
John Sheridan takes over with immediate effect although no official statement has yet been released to confirm that his appointment is a permanent one. The fans enjoyed the previous short stint that Shez did as manager although the odd dissenter points out that his team were out drinking on the night before an important game at Brighton, a match the Latics lost 3-0. Perhaps it's only hearsay that he likes the odd tipple, like the majority of us do, but it should not cloud our judgement. Shez has to learn too. If Sheridan gets the job the vast majority will see the appointment as the best logical step that the club could make. He was a hero on the field and could be just what the club needs for some stability. It could also mean a return to the fold for David Eyres. Time will tell.
This could begin a new 'Frizzell era'. Appointment from within has many benefits, the main one being financial and any financial help must be a Godsend to Athletic's coffers. The golden rule must now be "No more Moore's" (except for the author of this article) in Boundary Park after Chris and Ronnie. It could be argued that Ronnie made strides, which he did, but his downfall was they way he did it.
So fan pressure has led to the first ever sacking of an Oldham Athletic manager! This decision has to be the best managerial decision ever made by TTA and they should be commended for listening to the fans, the lifeblood of the team. Optimism has returned to Boundary Park and I hope that the fans show their faith by buying season tickets. Many have already stated that they will now renew, a decision that would not have happened had Moore still been in charge. I have not seen one comment in support of Ronnie Moore, a fact that speakes volumes. All Latics fans are over the moon with the announcement and it gives renewed hope for the club. Well done TTA. We are all behind you and from all the fans a heartfelt "Thank you".