Oldham Athletic: A Legacy Reimagined Under Micky Mellon
Football fans and pundits alike are buzzing with excitement as legendary former manager Joe Royle praises the impressive strides made by current boss Micky Mellon at Oldham Athletic. Royle’s endorsement comes as Mellon has effectively transformed the club’s fortunes, pulling them back from the brink of obscurity.
Royle’s Endorsement: A Testament to Mellon’s Impact
“Micky has done more than well to take the club to the brink of promotion,” said Royle, who managed the Latics from 1982 to 1994 and now serves as a club director. “His track record is commendable, and his man management skills are particularly impressive.”
A Glorious Past and a Hopeful Future
At 76, Royle reflects on his golden years with the Latics—a period marked by the club’s last major triumph in 1991 when they earned promotion to the First Division. This pivotal moment paved the way for Oldham to become a founding member of the Premier League the following year.
However, the journey has taken a downward turn. The Latics faced a long decline that led them to the depths of Non-League football, putting the club’s very existence at risk.
Rescue Mission: The Rothwell Family’s Investment
In what could be a narrative straight out of a movie, it was Royle’s son, Darren—now the club’s CEO—who played a pivotal role in securing a £13 million investment from local businessman Frank Rothwell. This crucial deal bought not just the club, but its stadium and surrounding land.
“Every time I see Frank and his family, I express my gratitude,” Royle shared. “Without them, the club would have perished.”
Dreams of EFL Revival
Royle hopes the efforts put in will pay off: “It would be wonderful for Oldham to get back into the EFL, rewarding the owner and his family for their unwavering commitment.”
Memorable Moments and Lasting Legacy
With the new stand at Boundary Park named in his honor, Royle reflects fondly on memorable times, including two historic appearances at Wembley: the 1990 League Cup final and the 1994 FA Cup semi-final.
His crowning achievement? Guiding Oldham back to the top flight after a monumental 68-year absence, leading to their milestone as a founding member of the Premier League.
WARM WELCOME: Oldham boss Joe Royle at their League Cup homecoming in 1990
TOP DAYS: Andy Ritchie against Man United in 1990
A Different View from the Royal Box
This time, Royle will take in the action from the Royal Box, a privilege reserved for club directors. “I’ll leave the organization to my son Darren, but that’s certainly where ‘Royle-ty’ will be,” he joked.
Club Legends Reflect on Turbulent Times
Andy Ritchie, another club icon from Royle’s era, won’t join him, as he’s attending his godson’s wedding in Spain. “It was hard to believe the club fell into this situation,” he lamented, voicing his support for Rothwell’s vision for a brighter future.
Reflecting on past triumphs, Ritchie noted, “It’s shocking that 31 years have passed since our FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United.” The Latics led until a late equalizer from Mark Hughes forced a replay, which they eventually lost 4-1 at Maine Road.
The Road Ahead: A Call for Change
“In those days, only two substitutes existed. When we took the lead, Mark Brennan and I were ready to come in. Sadly, we never got our chance,” Ritchie recalled, expressing his disappointment at missed opportunities that could have altered history.
Having experienced both player and managerial roles, Ritchie concluded, “Winning promotion as a manager went beyond personal achievement; it was about what we wanted to do collectively.”
