Oldham Athletic 1990

Club Formation:

  Pine Villa Football Club was formed in 1895, though the club changed its appearance and name in 1899 to Oldham Athletic Football Club. The club immediately gained professional status and played in both the Lancashire Combination and Lancashire League. Unlike many clubs, Oldham gained quick success and gained acceptance into the Football League in 1907-08. After three years in the Second Division, the Latics gained promotion to the First Division.

Up to 1970:

  Again, the outbreak of war hit Oldham hard and, as with the First World War, the club's results deteriorated significantly when the football league resumed finishing in 19th position in the first post-war league season. Disappointing mid-table finishes followed in the subsequent seasons before the signing of former England international George Hardwick as player-manager in 1950 proved the catalyst to a promotion as Third Division (North) champions in 1953. Hopes were again high at Boundary Park but the Latics slumped to relegation after only one season back in the higher tier. Only 25 points were gained from 42 games and 17 of 21 away games ended in defeat.

Jimmy Frizzell Era:

  Frizzell did an excellent job of keeping the Latics away from relegation danger at this higher level, despite tighter finances and lesser gates than many of their rivals. It was therefore a shock that, in 1982 after twelve highly successful years in charge, the popular Scotsman was sacked. He had, however, laid the foundations for what was to come.

Joe Royle Era:

  One of the most successful, and also longest-serving managers in Oldham Athletic's history was Joe Royle, who took over from Jimmy Frizzell as manager just before the start of the 1982-83 season. Royle's first four seasons in charge resulted in moderate midtable finishes before the first signs of success arrived during the 1986-87 season.

Post Royle:

  Joe Royle was lured to Everton in October 1994 and 34-year-old striker Graeme Sharp was appointed Oldham's player-manager. Sharp was unable to turn Oldham into genuine promotion contenders, despite most of the Premiership era squad still being on the club's payroll and, with another relegation battle looking likely, he resigned in the February of the 1996-97 season. Relegation to the third tier for the first time in 23 years was confirmed three months later following a defeat at Reading.

Financial Trouble:

  Worse was to come for the club, with chairman Chris Moore deciding to end his interest in the club - leaving behind large debts and a decimated playing squad, much to the anger of fans.