Oldham Athletic Boss Micky Mellon Gifts Winner’s Medal to Chairman
In a touching moment that epitomised the spirit of unity at Oldham Athletic, manager Micky Mellon made a heartfelt gesture following the club’s dramatic triumph in the National League play-off final. As celebrations unfolded under the Wembley arch, Mellon kissed his winner’s medal and, without hesitation, placed it around the neck of chairman Frank Rothwell, saying with genuine emotion: “That’s for you!”
The gesture was not made lightly. Mellon, who has experienced the highs and lows of football management across several clubs, holds his achievements dearly. But this time, he felt compelled to honour the man who, in many ways, helped make Oldham’s Football League return possible.
“I just felt that Frank deserved a medal, so I gave him mine,” Mellon said post-match. “This club has been through some tough times, but Frank came in, brought the right people together, and gave everyone belief. He has given everything for this football club — not just financially, but emotionally too.”
Frank Rothwell, a popular and ever-present figure at Boundary Park, looked visibly moved by the gesture. Clutching the National League play-off trophy in one hand and wearing the manager’s medal with pride, he told reporters: “I didn’t expect that. It means the world to me, not just personally but on behalf of everyone who loves Oldham Athletic. This is a shared success.”
Since acquiring the club in 2022, Rothwell has overseen a remarkable transformation at Oldham. His leadership helped stabilise the club both financially and operationally, rebuilding bridges with supporters and investing heavily in the community around it. His appointment of Mellon in early 2024 proved to be another masterstroke, as the experienced Scotsman galvanised a squad that was faltering mid-season and turned them into promotion winners.
Mellon’s admiration for Rothwell extends beyond boardroom decisions. “He’s been down to training, spoken to the lads, supported every step we’ve taken. It’s rare to find someone who’s so invested, heart and soul,” Mellon added. “If I had another medal to give, I’d give it to his wife Judith too. The family has lived and breathed this club.”
Fans of Oldham, many of whom made the journey to Wembley, shared their appreciation across social media, praising both Mellon’s selfless gesture and Rothwell’s leadership. “This is what football should be about — heart, loyalty and gratitude,” one supporter posted. Another wrote: “Frank saved this club. That medal couldn’t have gone to a better person.”
With Oldham now set to rejoin the Football League after a two-year absence, the future looks bright for the Latics. Preparations are already underway for the 2025/26 League Two campaign, with Mellon and Rothwell vowing to build on this momentum.
But for now, amid all the planning and logistics, one image will remain etched in the minds of Oldham fans — of a manager passing his medal to a chairman, and a club once on the brink celebrating a new dawn, united from top to bottom.
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