SUPPORTERS’ groups will tonight unite to outline their vision for Oldham Athletic.

Oldham Athletic Supporters’ Foundation (OASF) and Push The Boundary are hosting an end of season fans’ forum at the Oldham Events Centre (OEC) inside the Joe Royle (North) Stand at 7.30pm.

The two organisations are among the key groups who have been a driving force in pushing for a change of ownership, which has included organising protests outside of Boundary Park and backing a boycott of home games.

Despite relegation from the Football League, both groups remain active in trying to find potential new owners for Latics, or investors.

And during tonight’s forum representatives from the Foundation will look back on the work they have done behind the scenes over the past season, and also discuss their plans for the future.

In promoting the ticketed forum, a statement from the Foundation read: “OASF will set out what we have learnt and achieved since the new board was formed last year and to share our plans with you.

“We are working on a new vision for OASF and Oldham Athletic (OAFC) and will be presenting you with details of that vision, including how we intend to get there.

“OASF has two primary focuses:

n Ensuring that OASF is ready with both the financial and human resources to support the Club at a time of financial and/or leadership crisis, such as administration.

n Playing a lead role in facilitating a change of ownership at OAFC that is beneficial long-term.

“In recent months we have spoken with a number of individuals and groups who have shown an interest in the future of Oldham Athletic. Some have been more serious than others but, regardless, we have gained and learned a lot from these exchanges. 

“We have learned that there is interest in Oldham Athletic as an investment and that the fans and local community are seen as an integral part of rebuilding the club. We could have the basis of a consortium in place, in the form of a substantial seven-figure proposition from a very serious and credible source, should future circumstances meet their requirements.

“To realise our aspiration for a consortium with the means and values to take OAFC forward we need:

n Partnership – A consortium approach to purchasing the club was favoured by most we have spoken to. We are engaging other possible investors right now. If you can help, please let us know.

n Fan “buy-in” – If we can build a significant contingency fund, we can be part of a consortium and the future of OAFC. Please contribute what you can.

n Local “buy-in” – Local council & business involvement. We are in discussion with Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, and we will be contacting local businesses soon. If there is a local business you want us to contact, please let us know.

n A plan – We are drafting our vision for OAFC, and we are receiving advice and assistance from a growing number of professionals who are helping us map a credible and progressive business strategy for OAFC. 

“We are excited about sharing our vision with you as it will lay out how important it is that everyone plays their part – fans, local businesses, business and community leaders, OMBC, and local politicians – all need to be on board in order to attract additional quality investors to collaborate on the exciting project of rebuilding OAFC.

“We will need your input to make it a vision for the fans, by the fans.

“If you can, be there on 12 May and be there for Oldham Athletic when it needs you most.

“We are doing all we can, but we can’t do this alone, the time to act is now.”

Fans have also been asked, if they are able, to make a contribution to the 1895 Fund, which has been set up as a contingency fund should the club need rescuing financially.

Local business owners are also encouraged to contribute to the Fund, speak to OASF about being a part of a consortium, or pledge their services to make the vision a reality.

Fans are also invited to share any fundraising ideas to boost the coffers.

Forum tickets cost £5.98, including a booking, fee and can be bought through the OASF website, with all proceeds going to the 1895 Fund.

The event will also be live-streamed from 7.30pm, with links available on the OASF Twitter and Facebook pages, the oafcpodcast Twitter and Facebook pages and YouTube channel.