Oldham Rugby Club has announced that a consortium led by former player and coach Mike Ford and local businessman Mick Harrington has successfully purchased the club.

The recently announced return of Oldham RLFC to Boundary Park was a key part of the acquisition strategy and, following detailed discussions, they have secured a long-term agreement.

This will allow the club to lay down roots as well as allowing access to crucial revenue streams as it looks to build an exciting long-term future.

Speaking at the announcement on Friday, one of the new owners, Mike Ford said, “I’m delighted we have managed to get this deal over the line, it’s an honour and a privilege to be able to purchase Oldham Rugby Club”.

When asked why he thought now was the right time to buy the club, Ford said, “Being back at Boundary Park helps, it was critical in us deciding to take over the club”.

Ford was keen to run through both his short and long-term goals for the club, “Our short-term goal is to improve attendance, we’ve been averaging around 500 on matchdays so far this season and we’re looking to double that”, noted Ford. “Our long-term aim is getting young kids to want to play for Oldham again, that’s the main thing for me”, he added.

When asked if he thinks the takeover will encourage more people to come and watch the team, Ford said, “Gaining new fans is critical, but getting old fans that have fallen out of love with the club to come back and watch the team is also crucial”. “There are a few here today, Bill Minton, who is 91 years of age and was there when Oldham last won the championship in 1957, and it’s about getting people like him back onside and involved with the club again”

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