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Oldham has gone flat cap crazy

Michael Griffith, Chris Riley and Matt Slater.

A town has gone fashion crazy… over flat caps.

Oldham Athletic supporters have started wearing the caps as a tribute to the club's new owner, Frank Rothwell, who is famous for his familiar headware.

And now Chris Riley, a lifelong Latics supporter and pub landlord, has launched an impromptu Flat Cap Club at The Fox and Pine on Greaves Street.

He said: “We are selling the caps at £5 each — and we can’t buy enough.

“The first batch of 14 sold in a couple of hours followed by a second batch of 14 which again sold at the same speed. I’d say it’s 50/50 men and women buying them. 

“The Flat Cap Club is just adding to the town’s reenergised vibe,” he explained.

“There’s seems to be a renewed proudness of being from Oldham and the flat cap has caught the mood. 

“And, of course everyone is talking about Frank and the fact he’s saved the club and always wears his own distinctive flat cap."


Jackie Martin (Michael’s partner), Sue Slater (Matt’s wife) and Michelle Riley - all Latics fans, proud Oldhamers and locals at the Fox and Pine

Chris continued: “My customers are having selfies taken in their caps with each other. The Flat Cap cask ale I’ve put on, sells out in a few hours as well. I’m struggling to keep up with demand.

“And can you imagine if the team went on a decent run?” he mused.

"Hopefully people will understand Frank taking over won’t give instant success on the pitch but I really think it’ll start snowballing into something massive for Latics and the town.

“There is a really upbeat, positive air returning to the town underpinned by announcements of new developments. Latics are a keystone to that mix and I doff my cap to them.”

Frank, speaking after his return from Latics' draw at Torquay, said: “I’m really humbled by this gesture. But I’m delighted the whole tone is getting behind us.”

And he revealed he’d been approached by more than 20 supporters all wanting selfies. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said, “but I did wear my cap on all the photographs.”

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