What Promotion Means to Oldham Athletic’s Joe Pritchard
As the sun began to set behind Boundary Park on the evening of Party at the Park, Joe Pritchard surveyed the scene from the dugout, soaking in the emotion, the noise, and the pride that surrounded him. A long, challenging season had culminated in joy, and for Pritchard, this moment wasn’t just about football—it was about redemption, resilience, and a dream finally realised.
Having joined Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2023, Pritchard’s move from Accrington Stanley marked a new chapter. But injuries early on tested his resolve. The midfielder missed a significant chunk of the campaign, making his return just in time to help Latics push over the line in the National League play-offs. Now, having played his part in guiding the club back to the Football League, the 28-year-old admits the experience has been one of the most emotional of his career.
“This club gave me a chance when I needed it,” Pritchard reflected. “To be able to repay that faith by helping us get promoted—it means everything. Watching the fans celebrate, seeing families on the pitch, hearing my name sung… it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Pritchard, known for his creativity and composure in midfield, stepped up when it mattered most. His calm presence and leadership were vital in the closing weeks of the season, and he featured prominently in the play-off campaign, showing why he was so highly rated upon arrival.
For Pritchard, the celebrations weren’t just about the silverware or the promotion itself—they were about belonging. “Oldham’s a proper football club, with proper supporters. They’ve been through a lot in recent years, and to give them a reason to believe again… that’s the real victory,” he said.
During the Party at the Park event, where thousands of Latics supporters gathered to honour the team’s promotion, Pritchard could be seen chatting with fans, posing for photos, and sharing jokes with teammates. “This isn’t just a club—it’s a community,” he said. “The togetherness we’ve got in the dressing room, and the bond we have with the fans, that’s been our biggest strength.”
Promotion now brings new challenges—stronger opposition, bigger crowds, and the need for consistency—but Pritchard is embracing it all. “We’ve got momentum, and we’ve got belief. We’ve set the standard now. Getting back to the EFL was the first step—staying there and building something lasting is the next.”
As he walked back down the tunnel on that warm June night, Pritchard paused for one last glance at the celebrating crowd. “It’s a special place,” he smiled. “And I’m proud to be part of its story.”
For Joe Pritchard and Oldham Athletic, promotion wasn’t the end. It was just the beginning.
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