OLDHAM Athletic will only utilise three sides of Boundary Park next season, having decided to close the Joe Royle (North) Stand due to cost implications and safety concerns.

The last pitch invasion, which resulted in an almost two-hour delay to their home game with Salford City on the day relegation from the Football League was confirmed, emanated from the ground's newest stand.

Once the stadium had been cleared and the game was allowed to resume behind closed doors, fans who had gone to the Oldham Event Centre on the first floor of the Joe Royle Stand, had their view of the pitch blocked when stewards received a club instruction to use advertising hoardings to cover the glass doors, at least one of which was a fire exit.

And that is understood to be one of the factors in the board's decision not to utilise that stand for the 2022/23 campaign.

A statement released on the club's website this morning reads: "Dear All, Oldham Athletic Football Club would like to thank all its loyal supporters who have followed the club during some very difficult times recently.

"We also apologise for the inconvenience that the below arrangements will cause, in particular to those supporters who have already purchased season tickets in the North Stand.

"Relegation to the National League means that the club has had to consider many significant changes as to how it operates both on and off the pitch next season.

"The measures that are being taken are being introduced to save on expenditure and to ensure the safety of our fan base.

"It is stressed that these changes were finalised at a Board meeting today, where it was decided to immediately release the information via our media outlet.

"We hope our supporters understand the necessity for these economic and safety measures and seek the support of everyone who has the club’s best interests at heart.

"Arrangements have been made after consultation and advice from the Club’s Safety Officer and the following are to be introduced for the new season."

The statement goes on to detail how the stands will be used:

MAIN STAND

The entire stand will be taken into use for the whole of the season and season tickets will be on sale in the normal manner.

THE JIMMY FRIZZELL STAND (ROCHDALE ROAD END)

The stand will be fully utilised by home fans.

The section closest to Furtherwood Road will be reserved for families. Seating closest to Broadway will facilitate our younger groups and those home fans preferring that area. The middle section will be allocated to those fans choosing that area but mainly those aged over 21 years old.

CHADDERTON ROAD END

This stand will be open to away fans.

Where a low away attendance is anticipated alternative arrangements may be made. This is subject to information and intelligence from the Safety Officer.

THE JOE ROYLE (NORTH) STAND

The last time the stand was closed there was a lot of conjecture and criticism of the Club for not being sufficiently transparent with the fan base as to the reasons for closure.

In the first instance costs need to be cut. The Football Club derives no income from the North Stand and in fact has to pay for the kiosks to be opened on matchday.

On this occasion, fans are also entitled to know the details when safety and security are an issue.

The Club has given careful thought to the manner in which these premises are operated and have assessed the evidence from recent events. The expertise and advice from the Safety Officer have been critical to our decision.

We have a duty of care towards our supporters but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the safety of our fans in that locality during the period contained within the Club’s Safety Certificate.

The club statement continues: "The Board of Directors appreciate that counter claims will be made about the decision that has been made, but it must be made clear that it is the club that decides which facilities it uses during the matchday event.

"The Club deeply regrets the non-use of the facility and appreciates that many fans enjoy the North Stand. Unfortunately, the Board of Directors cannot compromise themselves or the Club in certain circumstances.

"Recent events have also revealed that the management of the North Stand are not prepared to work with Senior Officials and this seriously compromises the Club.

"Fans should be aware that Football Regulations do not allow for the movement of fans from one section of the ground to another during the Certificate hours. Fans will therefore be required to enter their designated area of the Stadium on arrival and remain in the section to which their ticket applies."

The statement ends by assuring fans who have already purchased season tickets in the Joe Royle (North) Stand that they will be prioritised for relocating and will the recipients of a gesture of goodwill.