OLDHAM Athletic have confirmed the Joe Royle (North) Stand will be re-opened for the new season.

The club’s newest stand was closed under the previous ownership on cost and safety grounds, following a pitch invasion on the day that the club was relegated from the Football League.

But one of the first duties carried out by new owner Frank Rothwell was to have it declared re-open, as part of the club's season ticket announcement.

In an open letter to supporters, new chief executive Darren Royle, who brokered the deal that brought an end to the disastrous four-year Lemsagam regime, outlined the new season ticket pricing structure, which was discussed with members of the supporters' groups.

It will keep the existing adult early bird price of £270 until 11.59pm on Sunday (August 7), after which it will increase to £330, while the Under 16s prices will extend to the U18s age group, and match ticket prices will be frozen.

The Oldham Times understands that the previous season ticket pricing structure, which included a special £200 offer for the first 500 purchases before April 8, later rising to the early bird offer, was an act of desperation to raise cash quickly for the purposes of paying a bill, with no thought for the potentially devastating long-term financial implications.

Chief executive Royle's letter, explaining the changes, in full reads: "Dear Latics Supporters, I wanted to write to you all as soon as possible to confirm ticket prices for the coming season.

"It is vitally important that we balance our key objective of supporting the club financially whilst being aware of what is going on in our community with job losses, increases in taxation and the rising cost of living impacting heavily on our loyal supporters.

"While the cost of running the club has gone up substantially with inflation we wanted to shoulder as much of that burden as possible, without passing these costs onto our amazing supporters who we now need to come back in their droves.

"As Frank has said, you will be our 12th and 13th players this season in what will be an incredibly important year and one in which we must restore stability both on and off the pitch.

"Following a lengthy board meeting on Friday, I am pleased to confirm the following: Under 16s prices will now extend to Under 18s, to allow a further two years of discounted tickets.

"All match ticket prices will be frozen and kept the same as the standard prices from last season.

"The early bird offer will be reinstated for one more week to allow people the opportunity of taking advantage of cost savings.

"Following feedback from supporters, we are also extending the opening hours of the club Ticket Office and are employing more staff to help. We appreciate there have previously been access issues, with club staff restricted in their working hours.

"We do urge supporters to book as early and online wherever possible to avoid delay. We understand and appreciate that online may not be an option for some supporters and urge you to visit the club ticket office as early as possible.

"I am also pleased to be able to confirm that the Joe Royle Stand will be fully reopened.

"The 100 Club and Executive Boxes will be reinstated, with first option being offered to those supporters who had previously purchased tickets/boxes.

"Season tickets for the Family Enclosure of the Rochdale Road End will be suspended until further notice pending a review, however match tickets may be purchased at the early bird price for families wishing to attend the opening two home games.

"Thank you all once again for the part you will play in making this club great again. As you know, we cannot do this without your backing and we cannot stress how important that is.

"We have consulted with members of three of the fans groups and taken on board feedback wherever possible. We are in this together. Let’s make Boundary Park a fortress.

"See you all soon, Darren Royle."

Early bird prices, available until 11.59pm on August 7, are: Adults £270, Over 65s £140, Under 21s £140, Under 18s £46, Under 7s free with an adult

Standard prices from midnight on August 8 are: Adults £330, Over 65s £180, Under 21s £180, Under 18s £69, Under 7s free with an adult

Season tickets can be bought from the ticket office in the Main Stand on Furtherwood Road and also online.

Supporters who had a season card for the 2021/22 season and would still like to retain the same seat can do so until 11.59pm on August 7.

Ticket office opening hours this week are 12pm-6pm today (Monday), 10am-6pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday, 10am-8pm Thursday and Friday, 9am-1pm on Saturday, closed on Sunday (August 7)

Season tickets which were purchased before 30 June are also now available for collection.

Any season ticket purchases now made online will be available to collect the next working day. Proof of ID is required when collecting season cards.

Fans who initially bought a season ticket in the Joe Royle Stand but were then moved have now automatically been transferred back to their original seat in this stand.

Any supporters wanting to make alternative arrangements should contact the Ticket Office.

Anyone requiring further details on season tickets sales or with any queries about admission to games can contact supporter.services@oldhamathletic.co.uk or call 0161 785 5150 to speak directly to the Ticket Office.

Details on hospitality for the new season will be communicated in due course.