A boyhood Oldham Athletic fan who became the matchday press officer for the club has been recognised for his 60 years of volunteering at Boundary Park.

Roy Butterworth, 84, reached 60 years of volunteering for the Latics this season, which has seen him deliver Latics content to multiple generations of supporters.

Before Oldham's 1-1 draw with local rivals Rochdale on Saturday, Roy was presented with an award from Manchester FA by the body's CEO, Colin Bridgford, as well as Latics chairman Frank Rothwell and CEO Darren Royle.

Roy said: "I’ve had some brilliant times with Latics over the last 60 years and it’s been a real joy to be a part of the club.

"I’d like to thank Colin Bridgford and Manchester FA for this recognition, it is an award I am honoured to receive and personally means a lot."

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Roy has supported Oldham since 1940s and began volunteering in 1964, establishing Radio Latics with the help of what was then the supporters’ club.

He managed the matchday press during the club’s days in the top flight, before forging a commentary double act with Gordon Lawton, his on-air partner for 14 years.

Roy continues to cover every Latics game, home and away, with his commentaries on Latics Player.

He said: "I’ve seen some ups and downs on the pitch over the years but I’m fortunate to have worked alongside, and met, plenty of great people who have made my work such a fantastic experience.

"To have the opportunity to be involved behind the scenes at the club I have supported all my life has been a great privilege."

Last year, Roy published his second book, titled A Journey Down Sheepfoot Lane, which included stories from the decades Roy has spent following the Latics across the country, with all the profits from the book being donated to Maggie's. 

Roy did the same with his first book, A Fan on the Inside, which came out in 2019.