Oldham's Athleticos supporters group react to the petition to stop the Ched Evans signing
Boundary Park—Oldham Athletic's ground since 1904 and the center of the recent Ched Evans controversy.
Oldham's ground, much the same as Oldham itself, is a place with a long and eventful history, centered around the British industrial boom. Now, with most of the industry gone, much of Oldham town has gone through bouts of deprivation.
The Athleticos are a group of Oldham faithful with the goal of "bringing back the atmosphere to Boundary Park." They sing, chant, and hold banners and flags through all Oldham matches. At the front, George cheers a goal at the Chaddy End.
The Athleticos are made up of people of all ages. Here, a group of the Athleticos walk to Boundary Park preparing for a game.
Keith Head, 49, from Chadderton in Oldham has been going to Latics since he was 11 years old—“or since I was allowed to go.” He travels to nearly every match and has done so for most of his life.
"Overnight Oldham Athletic has turned from a popular family club to one that is, in many eyes, hated,” said Keith Head's daughter, Lillie, at Rochdale away.
Most fans felt that it wasn't other people's responsibility to influence the club's decisions when actually the opinion of the 4,000 locals who pay every week to support Oldham where much more important.
Neil Joy, Chief Executive at Oldham, locks up Boundary Park in front of the press hours after the club reversed its decision to sign Evans. Threats reportedly made to the club’s staff were cited as a key reason for the halt of the sale.
