How Rothwell has rowed the boat out to save Latics

PEOPLE’S champion Frank Rothwell is an intrepid eccentric who has rowed solo across the Atlantic twice in his seventies - and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

- MIKE WALTERS

But saving Oldham Athletic from oblivion has been his toughest gig - and he is 90 minutes away from his rescue act's crowning glory.

If they climb back into the Football League after the National League play-off final against Southend tomorrow, it will be Oldham's first promotion for 34 years.

When the Latics chairman, below, bought Oldham and adjoining land around Boundary Park for £12million three years ago, he led a brass band down Sheepfoot Lane to the ground in a triumphal march.

Footage of Rothwell thanking all 399 travelling supporters - for making a long-haul excursion to Braintree just before Christmas with a handshake almost broke the internet.