Jarvis gives the lowdown

Last Updated : 19-Jul-2003 by The Chairman
Athletic’s Marketing Manager, Sean Jarvis, tries to explain the current situation at Boundary Park. Please link to the official site here for more stories.

"Things are getting very serious and I am concerned about our future. Yesterday Neil and I were asked to be involved in the Norwegian takeover and from what we could see everything was going well. Fossdal had two local based legal representatives with him along with a couple of English based football agents. We were also aware he was brought to Latics by individuals who had connections with the Club. With Fossdal's legal people at the meeting and the conversations that we understand that had gone on between all the parties, including the solicitors and Chris Moore's legal man it appeared that Fossdal was the real thing. From what we could see and hear it looked like the Club was been thrown a lifeline.

Once Fossdal had completed his completition meeting he came across to Neil and myself to talk about going forward and we reiterated the importance of the Trust and the Advisory Group - which seemed to be well recieved. The Norwegian then commented that he was happy to come to the Club in the morning and discuss plans. We were delighted and looking forward to a decent nights kip in ages!


As for this morning when Neil and I got into the offices we were informed that Fossdal had stayed over at a local hotel and had met a lot of well connected local people at a wine party in the evening. Neil and I informed the staff of the
imminent arrival of the new owner and for once smiles started to appear back in the offices. But sadly as the day went on we started to receive phone calls that sent alarm bells ringing in our head. Then around 4:30pm we got notification from one of his representatives that this deal was collapsing and was handed the statement. Our jaws hit the deck and staff have gone home very depressed.


I am of course very upset by the whole episode especially as we have put four days of effort behind the Norwegian bid in supplying them with information. However, It is difficult to blame anyone. His representatives were arguably acting in the best interests of the Club and Chris Moore felt that the money that would come from the deal to the Club was arguably the best option. However we now find ourselves in a very serious position. The past few weeks seem to have taken their toll on us including recieving some critisism and hearing lots of rumours that meant we couldn't seem to do right for doing wrong.

And I have to say that Neil is at a very low ebb and would urge supporters to encourage him to carry on. When he left this evening it appeared he was very very upset. Neil has worked tirelessly on this and I think he needs a bit of a lift from the fans. We have said all along that this is a survival plan only and something we hoped we would not be implementing. I think the pressure is begining to have an impact.


As for Chris Moore I have spoken to him this evening about the collapse of the deal and I genuinely believe he is also gutted. He explained to me that he had just come out of a board meeting at Torex so needed to collect his thoughts and
promissed to contact me as soon as he could. He also went on to explain that he had death threats and had taken police advice. Having spoken to Chris Moore I think it would be in the interest of the Club that supporters focus on the Trust and our survival and not a vendetta.

As for where we go from here then I am not sure. I will of course be calling as many people as I know to try and get involved in the Club and of course will resurrect the Survival Bid to Chris Moore. This is potentially our darkest hour but I do believe that we can still come out of this mess. The way I believe to do this is - is to do it together. I mean supporters pulling together and supporting one another - for the next few days keep calm and focus on the task ahead. The Trust is a massive part of the future and funds must go into the pot as soon as possible.

Businesess need to come forward and show their support - if there are any more people that wish to join the Advisory Group then please come forward - the time is now. If there are any other major investors that either want to buy the Club or may wish to be involved in the Survival Plan - the time is now.


I stress the next few days are critical. Whilst the survival plan is not neccessarily the ideal option it possibly is our only one unless someone can come forward immediately. The fans have been excellent. I would urge them to once again rally the community of Oldham before it is too late."