OWNER FRANK HAS PUT THE LATICS BACK ON RIGHT ROAD

EFL return is ‘dream’ next step

- Tony Bugby

FRANK Rothwell’s two previous visits to Wembley to watch Oldham Athletic were on supporters’ coaches run from his local pub.

It will be far removed for Rothwell, now the club owner, as he and his wife Judith, son Luke and daughter Su journey to London for the National League play-off final.

Rothwell, 74, and his wife often travel to away matches on his Grinall R3T, an iconic three-wheel motorcycle, but won't be doing for Sunday’s match.

“Will I hell? I will be in no fit state to come back on it! I will be going down on the players’ coach,” declared Rothwell, who saved the club from extinction with his £13m takeover in July 2022.

And instead of being just a rank-and-file supporter, Rothwell will take in the action from the Royal Box where he will view a sea of blue and white from 21,000 supporters.

He said: “It is going to be emotional. Everyone there will have the same will, same want, same dream.

“It is going to be absolutely fantastic, especially as we haven’t won anything for 34 years.”