AFC Oldham, which has eight teams of men, women and juniors who compete at varying levels across the North West, has appointed a new chairman to take the reins.

Dale Harris, who is a director at not-for-profit sports organisation, Dream Big Sports, was voted unanimously at the club’s last general meeting.

Mr Harris will assume the role from current interim chairman, Pete Bird, who will continue in his role as club president.

Formerly involved with Oldham Hulmeians and Heyside FC, Mr Harris joined AFC Oldham during the pandemic to help support the team’s coaching efforts.

Since then, he has overseen the development of the junior section at the club as it outlines a fresh commitment to junior football in the borough.

AFC Oldham said the new chairman has brought a “wealth of knowledge and experience in community sports, business and development”.

In reaction to his new appointment, Mr Harris said: “I joined the club just under three years ago, most of, if not all of the current committee members have been here a lot longer than me, so I am extremely grateful to have received the support of the club’s members to have been voted in, in the first place.

“To be in a position with the opportunity to affect the club in a positive manner is something I am really excited about and feel privileged to do so.”

The Oldham Times: Dale Harris only joined AFC Oldham in the pandemic - but has brought a wealth of experience to the club.Dale Harris only joined AFC Oldham in the pandemic - but has brought a wealth of experience to the club.

Mr Harris said that there was no escaping the fact that the pandemic has dented progress for the club – and for grassroots football in general.

He said the team has a “lot of work to do”, but added: “As chairman I am very keen to draw a line under some of the more difficult periods recently, drawing key lessons from them to help ensure we learn and move forward as one club and one community.

“As a club, we are very lucky.

“We have talented, committed and passionate players, coaches, members and volunteers who care very much so about the progression and future of this club.

“I very much see my role as being the figurehead for the committee to try and unite these groups and get everybody pulling in the same direction.

“In my opinion, you won’t find a more inclusive and community-driven club in grassroots football locally to Oldham if not Greater Manchester.

“That is something that will stay at the core of everything we do moving forward.”

The Oldham Times: Mr Harris said he is "really excited" to assume the chairman role.Mr Harris said he is "really excited" to assume the chairman role.

He thanked Mr Bird for his work at the club for the past few years and for stepping up to the mark as interim chairman to see the club through the season.

“We are extremely fortunate to have people like Pete at the club bringing unrivalled knowledge of grassroots football and I look forward to working closely with him in his position as club president.”

Finally, he said that anyone – whether a club member or member of the local community – who wishes to find out more about the future holds for AFC Oldham to get in touch with him directly. 

“I am and will always be approachable and transparent through everything I do.”