OLDHAM Athletic have re-named their North Stand in honour of the club’s greatest ever manager.
The Joe Royle Stand was officially unveiled before the Carabao Cup, first-round tie against Derby County on Tuesday, August 14.
Royle led his side to the top flight after winning the Second Division in 1991 and the club became an inaugural member of the Premier League in 1992.
His ‘pinch-me’ season in 1990 saw Oldham beat four of the top seven clubs in the country, including the champions Arsenal and the league leaders Aston Villa – in the space of four months on the way to the final of the Littlewoods Cup as well as the FA Cup semi-final, which Royle reached on two occasions with Latics.
Club owner Abdallah Lemsagam said: “It is a privilege to recognise someone so important to this football club in this way.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting Joe on many occasions and his passion for Oldham is inspiring.”
Royle said: “I am very honoured. Abdallah told me he intended to rename the stand and he has kept to his word.
“I am absolutely delighted, it is a proud moment for me.
“I have four grandchildren who all live in Oldham as well as my two sons and their wives and they will be equally as proud.”
Royle was at Boundary Park for the official unveiling before kick-off.
Signage officially recognising the Jimmy Frizzell Stand was also in place for the Derby County game.