Border Telegraph | Sport | Tribute to Bobby with Oldham date

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 7th November, 2007 12:30

Tribute to Bobby with Oldham date

By David Knox

THE final part of a Bobby Johnstone jigsaw will be completed later this month when Oldham Athletic arrive at Yarrow Park.

The Boundary Park club is the last of Bobby’s former teams to play his hometown team since his death in 2001.

And Selkirk chairman Craig Douglas hopes the friendship will continue for years to come.

He told the Border Telegraph: “Everyone at Selkirk is delighted that Oldham have agreed to send up a team to play us.

“Because of Bobby we have already forged really close links with Manchester City and Hibs, who have now played here a couple times.

“Oldham Athletic are a huge club compared to ourselves but they indicated last season that they wanted this fixture as much as we did.

“Bobby is still held in high regard by everyone at Boundary Park.”

Bobby Johnstone became a Latics legend in his five seasons at Boundary Park.

Oldham Athletic had finished 23rd out of the 24 teams in the fourth division, narrowly avoiding relegation, when manager Jack Rowley signed him for £4,000.

And the former Selkirk painter and decorator inspired an almighty revival – scoring 36 goals in his 143 appearances.

By the time Bobby left Oldham in 1965 they were towards the top of the third division.

Athletic also have a league match against relegation rivals at Bournemouth on November 24.

But manager John Sheridan has indicated any of his first-team squad not involved in the coastal clash will join the reserves for the trip to the Scottish Borders.

A spokesman for Oldham Athletic told us: “Bobby Johnstone is affectionately remembered by officials and supporters of Oldham Athletic.

“We are delighted to be travelling to play Bobby’s hometown team.”

Reserve coach Lee Duxbury will bring a squad of 20 players to Yarrow Park.

The friendly match on Saturday, November 24, kicks off at 2p.m.

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