"I haven't been home in four days" - Oldham Athletic fans celebrate promotion to Football League
Yesterday, The Latics booked their spot in League 2 in a 3-2 victory over Southend United at Wembley in the final of the National League play-offs.
The win means promotion to League 2, after three years away. In 2022 the club claimed the unwanted honour of becoming the first former Premier League side to drop into non-league football.
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The win caps a remarkable turnaround in fortunes under their new owner, charismatic local businessman Frank Rothwell, who took over the club in the summer of 2022.
Around 21,000 Oldham fans made the trip to Wembley for what was their first visit to the national stadium for over 30 years, since their FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United in 1994.
Following the heroics, a free party was held at Boundary Park where supporters showered the players with adoration as they made a lap around the pitch, reciprocating the love.
Phil Harrop, 50, was at Wembley on Sunday, and despite being back in Oldham and at Boundary Park with his wife Nicola for the parade, he hasn't been home yet.
"I bought this t-shirt on Wednesday, and I thought I better wear it because I might never wear it again after Sunday. I've had it on for four days now." He explained to the M.E.N.
"I went to London, stayed in Watford, went to the game, drove back from Watford, went to the Fox and Pine in Oldham and then I came straight here.
"This means so much to the town. It means so much for anybody who bothers to support Oldham Athletic."
Adam Kershaw was also at Wembley with his family, he told the M.E.N: "I just wanted to have a day out at Wembley. I just wanted to experience that with my son and wife.
"It was the best feeling in the world walking down Wembley Way with your eight-year-old lad, honestly, the best feeling in the world.
"He's only ever known us in non-league so it felt special. It was kind of a big two fingers up to his mates who support United and City.
"He went into school this morning with a scarf, bragging about how he's been to Wembley."
Jack Lusty, 29 and his mate Liam Paull, 30, could barely speak with their voices still recovering from the weekend. Nonetheless, they stressed how important the win was for the town.
Liam said: "We've been nothing since I've started supporting Oldham, it's been thirty years of misery.
"I didn't cry when my child was born, but I shed a few tears. When we won, I was full of tears!
"What's massive about the win is, if you look around, it's the amount of children. All they know is that Oldham have just done that. These children will be coming here now instead of City or United."
"No one will understand the journey we've been on to get that moment." Added Jack. "That's what makes it so special.
"Hopeful it's the first of many now and we're back on our way up."
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