A Timeline of the Recent History of Oldham Athletic
In the early 1990s, Oldham Athletic were riding high. Under the management of Joe Royle, the Latics were one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992. Their free-flowing attacking football and never-say-die spirit made them fan favourites. But since those heady days, the club has endured a dramatic and painful slide through English football’s pyramid.
1994: Heartbreak at Wembley and Premier League Relegation
In 1994, Oldham Athletic were minutes away from an FA Cup final. They led Manchester United 1-0 in the semi-final at Wembley when Mark Hughes scored a stunning last-minute equaliser. United went on to win the replay, and days later, Oldham’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. It was the end of an era, with Joe Royle soon leaving for Everton and the club beginning its long descent.
1997–2003: The Decline Begins
After relegation from the Premier League, Oldham failed to bounce back and gradually settled into life in the second tier. Financial difficulties started to surface, and results on the pitch worsened. In 1997, they were relegated to the third tier (then known as Division Two). Despite occasional mid-table finishes and playoff hopes, the club was unable to regain its former status.
2003–2004: Administration and Uncertaint
In 2003, Oldham were placed into administration, battling debts and uncertainty over their future. A group of American-based investors known as “The Three Amigos”—Danny Gazal, Simon Blitz, and Simon Corney—stepped in to save the club. Although their intervention helped avoid liquidation, the club remained in the third tier, with limited resources to mount a serious promotion challenge.
2006–2010: Playoff Pushes Under John Sheridan
Under manager John Sheridan, Oldham showed signs of revival. In 2006–07, they reached the League One playoffs but were defeated in the semi-finals by Blackpool. Despite finishing in the top half for several seasons, promotion continued to elude them. The departure of key players and inconsistent performances meant the Latics couldn’t build sustained momentum.
2010s: Stagnation and Controversy
Throughout the 2010s, Oldham’s on-pitch fortunes declined further. Managers came and went, with no real stability. In 2015, the club faced national criticism for its short-lived plan to sign convicted rapist Ched Evans—eventually backing out after public backlash. Meanwhile, fan frustration grew as the club stagnated in League One, narrowly avoiding relegation multiple times.
2018: Relegation to League Two
In 2018, Oldham’s 115-year stay in the top four divisions came to an end. Relegation to League Two was confirmed after a poor campaign. Moroccan businessman Abdallah Lemsagam had taken over earlier that year, but his ownership quickly became controversial. Reports of unpaid wages, poor communication, and interference in football decisions made headlines.
2022: A Historic Fall to Non-League
In April 2022, Oldham Athletic became the first former Premier League side to be relegated to the National League. Fan protests, ownership chaos, and dismal results on the pitch culminated in a devastating drop out of the Football League. It marked a historic low for a club that once rubbed shoulders with England’s elite.
2022–Present: New Hope Under Frank Rothwell
In August 2022, local businessman and lifelong fan Frank Rothwell bought the club, sparking hope among the fanbase. Rothwell brought stability, paid off debts, and began rebuilding relations with supporters. Under his stewardship, Oldham are aiming for a return to the Football League, backed by growing crowds and renewed optimism.
From nearly toppling Manchester United at Wembley to hitting the depths of non-league football, Oldham Athletic’s journey over the past three decades has been dramatic. Now, with a passionate owner and loyal supporters behind them, the Latics are determined to
write a new, upward chapter in their storied history.
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