Chris Moore reiterated that Youth Policy was vital at Boundary Park and that Mick Wadsworth was a firm believer of developing players and home grown talent particularly at Oldham Athletic- where we have had a great track record of developing youngsters.Other questions and answers were:
Don Young - “Allan Smart is not quick enough.”
Allan Smart was open and honest and agreed, said that he was working on his speed and the style of football that he liked was to sit on the shoulders of people and then drop in on the back but he's working with the coaching staff and Mick in particular with regard to developing his game.
Andrew Sutcliffe - “Why haven't we employed anyone yet as Director of Football?”
Chris Moore was open and honest and said that Oldham hadn't ruled it out. It was a possibility that we could employ a Director of Football but we're in no rush to do so. At this moment in time he felt that the coaching staff was adequate.
Steve Strange - “What about Chris Armstrong and the possibility of us becoming a selling club?”
Iain Dowie responded and said that we don't want to sell our players. It is inevitable that it would happen occasionally - big bids from big clubs, everybody does have a price - but we don't want to be in that bracket. He said that Chris Armstrong is a young kid that will go far and who will one day play in the Premiership. Hopefully that will be with Oldham Athletic.
Barry Noble - “What about a limit to funds and a time limit that Chris Moore may put on his development of Oldham Athletic.”
Moore replied that there was a limit to his funds but there was no cause for alarm from fans. It was certainly OK for the next couple of years. Time limit, he would like to see us in the Premiership as soon as possible but he believed that there is a business approach to it and we have to develop at the rate at which is right for Oldham Athletic. Too many clubs have gone too quick and have shot themselves in the foot. Chris Moore is a businessman and believes in developing the business as such.
Yvonne Widdow - “What about recouping Chris Moore's money and what are your long term plans.”
Chris again was open and said that he didn't see hospitality or corporate hospitality as means of recouping his money. His long-term plans have always been getting Oldham Athletic back into the Premiership but obviously believes in building the club. He loves the club and wants to develop it.
Nigel Hobson (Latics Live) - “Will rugby league be coming back to Boundary Park.”
To this, 149 members of the crowd all shouted, “No!” and then one person spoke out and said, “Yes.” Then once again the 149 shouted, “ No.” Chris Moore responded, saying, “There you have your answer”. He did mention the possibility of a back-to-back stadium but there was a lot of hurdles to clear with issues like buying back land from the Council etc.
Colin Day - ‘Is Colusso worth £2m?”
Mick Wadsworth explained where this figure of £2m had come from was a bit bizarre because at the end of the day Cristain Colusso is an Oldham Athletic player and if a club was to come in with a bid for him then we would get the fee. He believes that Cristian is a big talent, has showed some good touched and would bring an extra dimension to the football club. Mick also believes that he will get better as time goes on.
Sarah Richardson - “How have we improved and how will we continue to improve?”
Again the Chairman was complementary to Mick Wadsworth and Iain Dowie recognising them as a great combination and good investments for the future. He also believed that the quality of the players that they had brought in has demonstrated that we are in a stronger position now than we have been in a long time and hopes that this continues He will give Mick and Iain the support that they require to develop the football club.
Overall everybody was upbeat about Oldham Athletic. The panel and the supporters very much look forward to the next event.